'Rivalry Ride' is called win for hungry in Utah

PROVO — Wearing a shirt that proclaimed "Will Bike for Food," Provo Mayor Lewis Billings declared the annual BYU versus University of Utah "Food Fight" a "great win."

"We came together to send a message that we all need to do something to help," he said, surrounded by more than a dozen cyclists, including Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker, who had all biked from Salt Lake City to Provo.

The "Rivalry Ride" was created as a way to capitalize on the Cougar/Ute competition and encourage donations to the Community Action Services and Food Bank, which serves Utah, Wasatch and Summit counties.

Both mayors biked the 50-mile stretch together before announcing the "Food Fight" totals.

Thanks to the generous community, BYU pulled in $52,107 and 162,318 pounds of food, said BYU student alumni association president Matt Bjork.

"This is not about beating the U. of U.," Bjork said. "This is helping everyone who is in need."

The numbers far exceed last year's totals of $42,000 and 122,000 pounds of food.

The University of Utah is still tallying its donation numbers, but officials already know they've raised more money and food than last year, Becker said.

"This really is one of the most wonderful things we do during the year," Becker said. "It's a way for us to ... take advantage of the rivalry to benefit the community."

But the giving shouldn't stop now, Becker said. He encouraged people to keep donating to ensure that basic needs are met during the winter and beyond.

Myla Dutton sees those needs every day as executive director of the Community Action Services and Food Bank.

Two years ago, the organization was helping close to 1,500 families a month. Now that number is 3,000, Dutton said, with more than half of those families saying they've never sought help before.

Dutton said she received a thank-you note from a man who told her that every year he and his wife would bring in 15 turkeys and hams to donate, but this year they had to seek help instead.

It's those types of stories that keep the mayors pedaling.

"There are those who would go home hungry if they didn't do what they do," Billings said of Community Action Services and Food Bank. "If I can do anything to promote the cause, I'll do it. It really is needed."

e-mail: sisraelsen@desnews.com