COBYS Family Services' upcoming multifaceted Bike & Hike event is the organization's biggest and most beneficial fundraiser.

"My favorite part is seeing everyone come together," said Anne Stokes, who's been COBYS' director of development for six years. "There is a lot going on that day. But the beauty is that the participants can pick what makes the best sense to them. There are a lot of different options so participants can choose what they want to be a part of. It's amazing to see a lot of different people."

"The purpose of the event is to make sure COBYS can provide all of its services, day in and day out," Stokes added. "People learn about all the things COBYS is doing."

The 28th edition of COBYS' annual Bike & Hike event will be presented on Sunday, Sept. 8, from noon to 3 p.m. at Lititz Church of the Brethren, 300 W. Orange St., Lititz. The event will feature three active options for supporters to choose from.

"It's a very family-friendly event," said Stokes. "The day itself is very fun and uplifting. It's people deciding to go do something exciting and be a part of what COBYS is doing. People come with smiles on their faces. You're helping foster kids; you're helping to provide counseling services. It's a relaxed day. We encourage everyone to join us if they can."

The Bike & Hike event features a 25-mile bicycle ride that begins at 12:30 p.m., a 10-mile bicycle ride that begins at 1:30 p.m. and a 3-mile walk that begins at 1:30 p.m. Registration for the rides and walk is now open at http://www.cobys.org. and can also be done on the day at the event.

The day's festivities will be capped off by the event's Incredible Ice Cream Celebration, beginning at 2:45 p.m. at Lititz Church of the Brethren.

A group of several hundred family members, community members and supporters are expected to attend COBYS' Bike & Hike. Organizers are hoping to make $130,000 from a combination of the event proceeds and pre-event fundraising.

"COBYS' mission is important because all of us have times in our lives when we need assistance," said Stokes. "Our mission is to find kids and families in need of an extra set of hands and someone to walk alongside of. Kids are the next generation of society. We want them to go into their next phase of life with success."

COBYS Family Services, which is located at 1417 Oregon Road, Leola, was founded in 1979.