Bridget Ryder attends the August 4 Main Street Music Festival.
The search is currently on for a replacement for Ryder, who said she will remain in her role through the September 4 Kentlands/Lakelands 5K race.
Throughout her tenure with the KCF, Ryder has watched its programs grow, such the Kentlands-Lakelands 5K race, the Kentlands Film Society, the Children’s Chorus, the Go Green Group, the organic community garden and Kentlands Day. She is most proud of the progress of the KCF programs in recent years and credits the volunteers she works with for the foundation’s success.
“I’ve always felt we have such high quality people that step forward with such passion and thoughtfulness that it just works,” she said after her announcement. “I think of myself as an influencer, not the final say in the things the foundation does.”
Under the direction of Ryder, the KCF was named “Humanitarian of the Year” by the Community Associations Institute in 2010.
Gaithersburg City Council member Michael Sesma is the city’s liaison to the KCF board, and he said Ryder has done a fantastic job.
Among her favorite memories, Ryder said the first Kentlands Day in 2009 ranks high on the list. The Town Courier’s Nora Caplan and Kentlands resident Jeremy Vest served as the event’s parade grand marshals.
The addition of live music along the 5K route a few years back is also something that makes Ryder, a music lover, smile. “It was just not a consideration before I mentioned it,” she said.
Also holding a special place in her heart are the long-time standards, including the holiday sing-along, which Ryder first attended three days before the birth of her youngest daughter Olivia and before becoming the foundation’s executive director.
“My family and parents were there; it made a positive impact on me.”
Ryder also plans to remain active in the KCF in a volunteer role. “I’m not going anywhere,” she joked.
“It [the KCF} has made a huge difference in my life and for countless other people,” said Ryder. “I know I’m a better person, and we’re a better family because of my opportunity.”
The city of Gaithersburg supports many KCF programs such as the 5K, Project Harvest and The Tree of Warmth. Ryder said the city’s support is proof the foundation is a benefit to the greater Gaithersburg community. And, she said, the knowledge that the number of canned goods collected during last year’s Project Harvest and the bundles of hats, scarves, mittens and other clothing items donated for The Tree of Warmth didn’t diminish in a tough economy is a testament to the generous people involved with the KCF.
“It’s remarkable really that in this economy our community still came through,” she said.
As Ryder moves through a busy time of year for the foundation in preparation of the 5K race, she relishes the thought of actually running the race herself next year. “I’ve run hundreds and hundreds of races,” said the accomplished athlete, “and I’ve never run the Kentlands 5K.”