The Jim Thorpers Cycling Team donated $4,000 to the Carbon County Special Olympics Friday night at Lehighton's Fritz's Lane.

According to the group's representative, Todd Truskey, around 100 cyclists joined together with team captain Michael Dugan, a corporal with the Pennsylvania State Police leading the way for the 2016 Tour de Shore."When Mike started it was only him and three other people," he said.The 65-mile ride from Philadelphiato the Atlantic City shore raised over $50,000 for several nonprofits under Philadelphia-based Irish Pub Children's Foundation umbrella. The 501(c)3 was established in 2007 in an effort to better organize the funds raised from the Irish Pub's event created in 1988.The foundation originally came together for the children of fallen officers."People weren't sure about donating since it's out of Philly, but now they reach out to our area since we've been doing it for years. The money raised does come back here," Truskey said.Area Special Olympics' Coach Mary Beth Huber said the donation will be used for uniforms and travel expenses for the teams."It's double what we received last year," she said.Volunteer coordinator Sheri Anthony said the Carbon chapter is grateful for the funds."They could've picked anyone but they chose us," she said.Anthony said the Carbon chapter is always in need of volunteers and donations.For more information, visit site specialolympicscarboncounty.com