U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today recognized Cindy and Kelly Reid of Custer County for their tireless dedication to the improvement and betterment of their community.
Daines’ recognition in the Congressional Record is available here.
Through his “Montanan of the Week” initiative, Daines each week will highlight a Montanan by submitting a statement of recognition in the official Congressional Record, the document that reflects the official proceedings of Congress.
Daines welcomes anyone to nominate fellow Montanans for Daines’ “Montanan of the Week” program by calling Daines’ office at 202-224-2651 or by filling out the contact form on Daines’ website: http://www.daines.senate.gov/connect/email-steve.
The following is the statement submitted to the Congressional Record:
MONTANAN OF THE WEEK
MR. DAINES. Mr. President, “If we all do one random act of kindness daily, we just might set the world in the right direction.” These are inspiring words and a mantra for the Miles City non-profit Wake Up & Lace Up. But for Kelly and Cindy Reid, this quote is a lifestyle and for the last 34 years this couple has selflessly volunteered their time to setting the community of Miles City in the right direction. Together they have brought economic growth and national recognition to this town of nearly 9,000 people. They are an active couple and have used sports and athletic events to bring people from their community, Montana and neighboring states together.
Cindy uses running and athletics as a powerful motivator. As a survivor of acute myelogenous leukemia, she used exercise as a way to work through her illness. From this experience she co-founded Wake Up & Lace Up, which provides direct funding to Eastern Montana family to help cover the costs of cancer treatment. These costs include travel expenses and even wigs to chemotherapy patients. For one family, they even provided a stroller to accommodate a family of triplets. When dealt a hard hand she turned her hardship into an opportunity to extend kindness and has inspired many others to her cause. Altogether the organization has provided nearly $103,000 to 157 patients and their families in Miles City, Forsyth, Colstrip, Hysham, Jordan, Broadus, Baker, Sidney, Plentywood, Fairview and Circle.
Along with her non-profit Cindy inspires young girls through multiple athletic programs in her area. Cindy has coached fifth and sixth grade girls traveling basketball teams, girls’ softball and track and field at Washington Middle School and Custer County District High School. Over the years she has organized multiple athletic events such as Range Runners, Row Run & Ride and the Badlands Bowl Fun Run.
When she isn’t running, coaching, or raising money you can find Cindy playing piano at the Sacred Heart Parish.
Her husband and teammate is Miles City native, Kelly Reid. Over the years Kelly has brought economic growth to Miles city through a variety of businesses and events. After serving two years in the Army and working as an air traffic controller in Salt Lake, Utah, Kelly moved back to his hometown and has been promoting others to be a part of Miles City ever since.
Kelly has coordinated numerous events including boxing matches with Olympic boxer Todd Foster, Concerts with Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard, the 1995 Cattle Drive and most recognizably the Montana North Dakota All Star Football game.
Every year this game recruits 34 of the best senior players from each state and brings them together in June to raise money for the Knights of Columbus. Over 1,500 players have participated since the inaugural game and brings together over 2,500 friends, families and fans. The game showcases Montana talent and instills camaraderie and healthy competition into these young men. USA Today even recognized the event as the No. 1 Montana Community Event in 1998.
They have played an irreplaceable role in the lives of so many. Their good deeds and hard work has affected citizens all over Custer County, Montana and North Dakota and improves the lives of Miles City citizens every day. Thank you for the tireless and selfless dedication you have for your community.
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