Mr. David’s Carpet of West Chicago recently presented a check for $22,123 to the Central Dupage Health Foundation. The pediatric unit at the hospital benefited when employees of a number of flooring companies in the Chicago area got together for fun and fitness in the 1st Annual Mr. David’s Bike Challenge. The idea for this event came out of a casual conversation between Steve Cameron, Midwest regional sales manager of the MAPEI Corp., and Dave Zmijewski, owner of Mr. David’s Flooring International Ltd. of Itasca, Ill. To determine the best cyclist, they decided to offer a challenge to local friends in the industry and give the money raised from the event to Central Dupage Hospital.

Cyclists and sponsors gather for the 1st Annual Mr. David’s Bike Challenge in St. Charles, Ill.

The 1st Annual Mr. David’s Bike Challenge was held last October at the Leroy Oakes Forest Preserve in St. Charles, Ill., with a 50K distance. Twenty-six riders signed up for the challenge, and all but two finished. Cameron beat Zmijewski by just a few minutes; but it was Jeff Karsen, the owner of Carpet Cushions and Supplies of Elk Grove Village, Ill., who won first place, finishing the course in 1 hour and 31 minutes.

“We all focused on our goal of raising money for Central Dupage Health Foundation, but our primary objective was to make sure everyone had fun,” said Dave’s brother, Mike Zmijewski.

On hand to present the check are: MAPEI's Steve Cameron; Carpet Cushion & Supplies' Kevin Isken and Ross Brown; and Tiffany Zilch, BJ Stovall and Michael Zmijewski of Mr. David’s Flooring International Ltd.

The planning committee drew on community members from all around West Chicago. Carpet Cushions and Supplies donated the food and refreshments for the cyclists before and after the race. Employees from EJ Welch, Tarkett, Carpet Cushions and Supplies, J+J/Invision, LAN Office Furnishings, MAPEI Corp., Mr. David’s Flooring and several other flooring companies in the vicinity contributed their time and efforts to the event. “And they all say they’ll be back again next year,” added Dave Zmijewski.