Booster Profile - Scott Bosley

Supporting the Mission Financially and Prayerfully

In the late summer of 2007, Mission booster Scott Bosley had a grand idea. Ride from Boston, MA to Kennebunkport, ME and back in one day. Recruit sponsors to support the ride, and donate the proceeds to help homeless women and men in greater Boston. The ride was so successful that Scott decided to do another ride in 2009, and again in 2011. From cycling trips alone, Scott has raised more than $7,750 to provide hot meals and warm beds to those in need.

Scott shared with us some reflections along his journeys:

How did you get to be such an avid cyclist?
When I began mountain biking back in 1990. I always enjoyed riding a bicycle growing up, but the idea of taking a bicycle on trails and riding through the woods was really cool. When we first started mountain biking we used to always say it was the closest thing to skiing that you could do during the summer. There is definitely a social and competitive aspect to riding and a spirit of camaraderie amongst riders that I enjoy. Riding on the road is a nice way to sightsee and get a great workout starting right from your house. About twelve years ago I decided to buy a road bicycle to supplement mountain biking.

What passions fuel you, your work, and play?
One of my main passions is an appreciation of the wonderful creation and outdoors that is all around us. There is so much to see and take advantage of. It can be as simple as going for a walk with my wife and enjoying the trees and scenery close to home or taking a trip and travelling to somewhere unique like a national park or beautiful beach. I think a desire for balance is very important too--keeping everything in perspective and realizing it is all a gift from God.

What led you to all the charity work you do?
This is where balance comes in. I have been blessed with so much that I want to give back and share some of those blessings. Charity work can manifest itself in doing seasonal things around the holidays to supporting various charities both financially and prayerfully. Charity work also is a good way to show the gospel in action.

What led you to support the Boston Rescue Mission?
My wife and I were first introduced to the Boston Rescue Mission a few years ago by volunteering with a life community group from Grace Chapel in Lexington. We helped out with the Saturday morning program where the mission feeds and prays for people on the Boston Common. At some point I learned more about people suffering from homelessness and addiction. They are loved by God and valued by those around them, and the Mission reaches out with that message. This gave me the idea to do a bike ride where I could raise funds and awareness for the tragedy of homelessness.

How can others help in their striving to help others?
A great place to start is at any local church. Local churches help to match the needs of the community and those who want to help. Another way is what I did--create your own fundraising event. First, select an organization to help. Second, pick an activity that motivates you. Then pick a date and let everyone know about it via email and social media. Contact the organization with your plans and they should be more than willing to work with you. The Mission set up a web page and an online fund to collect donations for my rides. The first year I just collected checks from everyone and brought them in after the ride. But working with the Mission to make the online resources available definitely helped many of the people who sponsored me on the ride.