As music bumped through the air and heart rates began to rise, participants of an annual fundraiser sped off to nowhere.

Pedal for a purpose is an annual fundraiser YMCA South Coast, the parent company of the Gleason Family YMCA and the money raised is used to provide families in need with financial assistance.

Senior Director of Health and Wellness at the New Bedford YMCA and event organizer Micki Poulton said they hit their goal of $35,000.

The event was held at Stone Path Malt Saturday, March 22 and consisted of three, hour long exercise bike guided by trainers who work for YMCA South Coast.

"We rocked the roof off this place," Poulton said. "Our participants and instructors brought crazy energy."

Many of the participants that came out were not only looking to get a morning workout in, but they wanted to give back to the YMCA community that has welcomed them in.

"I've been a member of the Gleason YMCA since 2004 and they have been great to my family," said Jessee Clements.

Jenn Wong is a new member of the YMCA but said the organization has made her feel very welcomed.

"I just joined back in January and I just moved back to the area a few years ago," Wong said. "I'm getting back into the community, meeting people and supporting events like this is really awesome.