The fourth annual Race for the Ring is coming to Sacramento on July 14, 2012. This text messaged based treasure hunt on bike through downtown Sacramento directly benefits programs at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS). Teams of two will pedal, scoot and wheel their way through downtown Sacramento guided by text message clues in search of more than $10,000 in prizes.

Each week leading up to the event, we will interview someone who is involved in the race to find out why they are racing for a reason.

This week's interview is with Lori Rianda, an employee of event sponsor Bank of America.

The Sacramento Press: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Lori Rianda: I have been with Bank of America as the Senior Vice President for Corporate Social Responsibility for nearly two years. Prior to joining the bank I was in nonprofit management in the Sacramento region for ten years.

SP: Racers will be racing around town in search of jewelry graciously donated by Rogers Jewelry Company. What is your favorite piece of jewelry?
LR: A beautiful 1920’s gold cuff bracelet that had belonged to my grandmother when she was girl.

SP: What are you looking forward to the most about this year's event?
LR: I love the excitement of the competition! It’s so much fun to witness clues being solved and to enjoy the celebration at the end of the race!

SP: What motivates you to be part of this cause?
LR: Bank of America and Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services have a long history of partnering to meet the needs of the community. Race for the Ring is a great event that raises money for and awareness of the impactful programs that Blake and his team provide residents of Sacramento.

SP: What is your role with Race for the Ring 2012 and/or Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services?
LR: Bank of America is proud to be the presenting sponsor of this year’s Race for the Ring.

SP: What is one thing the public might not (but should) know about Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services?
LR: SFBFS is a national model for best practices in the delivery of fresh, healthy foods to community members. Their mobile food distribution program is set up as a farmer’s market where individuals and families are able to see the produce, enjoy samples, observe cooking demonstrations, gather recipes, and access health and nutrition resources all at no cost.

For more information about the event or to register to participate, please visit the Race for the Ring website.

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For more information about Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, please visit www.sacramentofoodbank.org.