Dear Friends,
I want to tell you about an exciting adventure I’m undertaking this June. I will be riding my bicycle for 225 miles, over 5 days, across the state of Missouri (from St. Charles to Clinton) on the Katy Trail. I am joining other riders from the Unity Center of Columbia on this trip which is making it fun and inspiring to train together and to make this a spiritual, as well as a physical challenge. I am riding with the spiritual intention to deepen my connection with nature, to honor the memories of two friends, Peggy Dawson and Ellen Kielty, and my mother, Pearl Crose, whose lives were so influential and inspirational for me, and to improve the quality of life, not only for myself, but for others on this earth.
This trip is also stretching me to ask for your involvement in a prosperity challenge. My goal is to raise $10 per mile biked for a total of $2250.
All the riders from my church team have agreed to each raise $2 per mile ($450) to be distributed to two local organizations: 1) my church, Unity Center of Columbia, which provides space and/or funds for many important community groups like the Voluntary Action Center, 12 steps groups, and other local peace and environmental groups, and 2) the Missouri State Parks, which maintains the wonderful parks and trails like the MKT and the Katy trails. A portion of this $450 will also provide spiritual books and magazines to existing Unity ministries in developing countries.
In addition to this initial contract with my Unity team for $2 a mile, I have made a personal commitment to raise funds of at least $8 a mile for the International Peace Initiatives (IPI), a grassroots non-governmental organization (NGO), founded and headed by my Kenyan friend, Karambu Ringera.
IPI is dedicated to helping children who have been orphaned by the AIDS epidemic in Africa remain in their villages, stay in their schools, and have food, clothing, and security after their parents have died. I visited Karambu and the IPI projects in Kenya last August and was extremely impressed with all that she and the women of her village are doing for these children. Without these initiatives, these kids would be shipped off to Nairobi to large orphanages with a strong possibility that they will eventually live on the streets and die of AIDS themselves. By keeping them close to extended family and cared for at home, they have a chance to be educated and become contributing members of society.
Because this is a grassroots organization, it is operated and controlled by the local people. There are very few administrative costs. Any money donated to IPI goes directly to the benefit of the children. The money I raise as a result of my bike ride will go to two specific projects, 1) construction of a group home for 20 kids in Meru, Kenya, and 2) a local program called, “ Girl Child Empowerment Program ” which teaches self-esteem and assertiveness to girls, so that they will have brighter futures than their mothers had. You can learn more about IPI by visiting www.ipeacei.org.
I hope you will be a part of my ride by making a contribution in whatever amount you are able. A fun way to think about pledging is to think of how much you might sponsor my ride per mile.
For example: 10 cents a mile = $22.50, 15 cents a mile= $33.75, 20 cents = $45, 25 cents = $56.25, 50 cents = 112.50, etc.
It would be wonderful if your generosity enables me to actually exceed my goal of $10 per mile!!
Checks should be made to “Unity Rising” and mailed to me at 1609 West Broadway, Columbia, MO, 65203 by June 9, 2006. You may also make donations online in my name at www.unityrising.org. Just click the “sponsor a participant” button from the home page and then choose my name from the pull-down menu. These donations are tax deductible and anything you give will be greatly appreciated. Your generosity will be strong motivation for me to keep on pumping during those times when my body is tired and wants to quit.
This is an important journey for me because it keeps me motivated and active in my “elder years”, and because my daughter, Cynthia, and granddaughter, Emily, will be riding with me. They are also raising money for their favorite projects. I treasure your friendship and support and will carry you in my heart during this journey!
Much love and many blessings,
Royda Crose
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