Chase the Moon was the brainchild of Pam Bellm and Ed Bonifas, just a couple of do-gooders with a desire to do something to make a difference, and the energy, creativity and connections to pull it off! Bellm, formerly of St. Louis, had participated several times in that city’s late night bicycle ride, and when she moved to the Fox Valley area and picked up on the strong interest in biking, she thought it would be a good fit for the area.

Once the idea was born, Pam set out to recruit someone to work with that would be as "fired up" about the idea as she was. She had gotten to know Ed through a Rotary organization they were both involved in, and thought he had the energy and enthusiasm she felt was necessary. He also matched her determination to make Chase the Moon a reality - there were many, many bumps in the road. The late night bike ride, on the grounds of Fermilab, the kookiness of it all and their belief that it was a great idea with potential was their inspiration to see it through.

Together, Pam and Ed turned a dream into a reality by not accepting "no" - if one option failed, they moved on to another. Creativity and resourcefulness were paramount. They worked with local, county, state and federal agencies, made many new connections and strengthened existing ones.

And for what? To raise over $15,000 the first year and then give it all away? YEP! The first Chase the Moon Bike Ride benefited the Girl Scouts, the second the Boy Scouts, and the third year they chose The Conservation Foundation as the ride’s beneficiary organization. They both believe in the work the Foundation does, but also had reached a point where they felt a great sense of accomplishment and satisfaction in what Chase the Moon had become, and were ready to move on to their next crazy adventure. Staff and volunteers of The Conservation Foundation worked alongside Pam, Ed, the rest of their Board and volunteers to learn the ropes, were the grateful recipients of $17,000 raised from the 2006 event, and have officially taken over the ride as their own.

Says Pam, “When I think about the lessons learned from my Chase the Moon experiences, my first thought is that dedication, determination and hard work do pay off. I also feel a strong sense of accomplishment and pride that this great event is a reality and will continue to benefit a great organization - The Conservation Foundation - for many years to come.” The Conservation Foundation is very excited to be taking on Chase the Moon, and is very grateful for the hard work and giving spirits of its creators.