Aug. 5, 2011 —
Representatives of 20 Pi Kappa Phi fraternity chapters from across the country cycled into Morehead Tuesday afternoon as part of their Journey of Hope to raise awareness and funds for people with disabilities.
The 22 cyclists and six support members began their 4,000-mile journey on June 8 in Seattle, Wash. The team travels approximately 75 miles a day and will arrive in Washington, D.C. on Aug. 13 to unite with cyclists from the North and South teams.
The Journey of Hope began 24 years ago with one Pi Kapp alumni from Stetson University.
Bruce Rodgers cycled from Oregon to Virginia in 1987 to raise awareness for PUSH America. His ride across America inspired PUSH America to adopt the Journey of Hope, raising more than $550,000 for people with disabilities this year.
“The trip is about raising awareness across the country. At each of the more than 50 stops in communities we visit, cyclists and local Pi Kapp members visit those we are riding for,” said on-site coordinator Axel Holm. The cyclists met with Horizon Village residents Tuesday evening with snacks and drinks.
“Several of the residents knew the cyclists by first name from previous visits over the last couple of years,” said Kathy Fraley, Horizon Village direct support services staff member. “They all had a great time interacting together. Residents socialized and played basketball with the guys. It was really great to see.”
Fraley said the Morehead State University chapter of Pi Kappa Phi comes every Thursday to work and socialize with residents at Horizon Village.
“The Journey of Hope funds support the MSU chapter’s activities with our residents,” she added. “I have been here 26 years and see the residents get excited every time the fraternity members are here.”
“Each cyclist is committed to raising $5,000 before the ride begins,” said Holm. “Fraternity members from University of Massachusetts, University of Missouri, Arizona State, University of Southern Mississippi, and Indiana State (to name a few), met in Seattle and rode 125 miles the first two days over mountain passes!” he added.
Holm said most of the 20 to 24-year-old men had never cycled seriously before this trip.
“This is the fraternity’s national philanthropy project. It’s a hard ride, but we can’t think of a better way to spend our summer than to help others.”
To make a donation or for more information on PUSH America and the Journey of Hope log on to www.pushamerica.org.
Kim Bandura can be reached at kbandura@themoreheadnews.com or by telephone at 784-4116.
themoreheadnews
Related Photos
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MSU President Wayne Andrews spoke to the national Transamerica Team of Pi Kappa Phi cyclists who stayed on campus Tuesday as part of a good will stop on their 4,000-mile journey to Washington, DC. The fraternity members from across the United States are participating in a fundraising and public awareness campaign called Journey of Hope.
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Six support crew members follow the Journey of Hope cyclists’ throughout their nine week cross-country trip that started June 8 in Seattle, Wash. The trip ends in Washington, D.C. at the Capitol building.
Transamerica Journey of Hope cyclists stop in Morehead
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