Team Balfour-Beatty Gilbane has been involved with BellRinger since the 2022, raising over $100,000 to date in support of Georgetown University’s Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. This year, the Team is 18 members-strong, with 13 Riders and 5 volunteers joining us for BellRinger Weekend. Their excitement for the Ride is contagious and their dedication to funding cancer research is inspiring. Whether they are checking Riders in at Ride Start, cheering on Riders as they cross the Finish, or riding 25, 50 or 100 miles, Team Balfour-Beatty Gilbane will be represented in every aspect of BellRinger Weekend! Get to know members of their team and why they got involved!
Matt Hemsley is a Project Engineer with Gilbane working on schools for Alexandria City. He is originally from Philadelphia but has been living in DC for over 3 years. Matt got involved with BellRinger because he likes finding ways to get involved in the community he lives in and help in any way possible! He is grateful for the opportunity to give back. You can find Matt at Ride Start, helping to check in Riders as they arrive!
Sarah Riser is a young professional working in construction as a Project Engineer with Gilbane. She is excited to volunteer for such an important cause, noting that “almost everyone can say that they, themselves, or someone they know and love has been affected by cancer. With such a widespread effect, this research is so important and I’m glad that I can play a small part in this journey for a cure.”
During his time at Penn State, Darren McKee volunteered with the Penn State Dance Marathon (THON) to raise funds for pediatric cancer research. This inspired him to join the BellRinger community as a volunteer when he moved to DC. Darren is excited to spend his time working for a cause he is passionate about in hopes of one day finding a cure. Be sure to say hi if you see Darren at Rider Check In at BellRinger Weekend!
Alex Palacios is the Vice President of Operations at Balfour Beatty. He is riding 100-miles in BellRinger to support those fighting cancer and in memory of those who have not survived – specifically, his mother-in-law who was taken away from her two daughters 12 years ago.
Tim Boerschlein is a Project Executive with Balfour Beatty, working with Gilbane on a Joint Venture project. He is originally from New York but reports that he is a huge Kansas City Chiefs fan! Go Chiefs!! Tim’s compassion and natural need for speed through hobbies like biking makes BellRinger the perfect way to give back. It also gives him an excuse to ride his single gear beach cruiser and rock some pit viper sunglasses on the 50-mile route!
Christina Brown is a Project Engineer with Balfour Beatty, working with Gilbane on a Joint Venture project. She is originally from the Jersey Shore but insists she loves living in Virginia way more! Christina thoroughly enjoys planning and volunteering at company events, so volunteering for BellRinger was a no brainer. Christina will be at Smokey Glen Farm, cheering for riders as they cross the Finish Line!
Daniel Ott is a Project Engineer with Gilbane, working with Balfour Beatty as on a Joint Venture project and is leading the team’s BellRinger efforts this year as Team Captain. He is originally from Bucks County, Pennsylvania and graduated from Virginia Tech. So, Daniel needs all the support he can get this football season! He originally got involved with BellRinger through his boss, leading his team’s volunteer and fundraising efforts, and he quickly found a passion for it. Although not the most experienced biker on the team, Daniel is excited to raise money and ride in the 50-mile ride this year!
Mary Kate Nihill is a Sales and Marketing Specialist at Gilbane. This will be Mary Kate’s third consecutive year volunteering for the BellRinger and she couldn’t be more excited to continue this meaningful tradition. She is most proud of her team’s dedication and hard work, which has resulted in raising over $100,000 for cancer research since 2022. According to Mary Kate, “this achievement is a testament to the power of community and the generosity of our supporters.” To Mary Kate, BellRinger isn’t just about cycling, “it’s about advancing critical cancer research and bringing hope to patients and families affected by this disease. Each mile ridden and every dollar raised brings us closer to potential breakthroughs in cancer treatment and prevention. Bring on BellRinger Weekend!”
