From the time I was a little kid, riding my first
Huffy 10-speed to friends’ houses in the suburbs of Chicago, to present day in
San Diego (where I still find myself riding to friends’ houses), I have so
enjoyed the freedom and feeling of cruising on two wheels. Thus, when the
opportunity presented itself to be a part of Jedidiah’s team to ride in the
Wrigley Field Road Tour in August, I was naturally excited.
For me, a bike has
always been a luxury item – something I use for recreation. I have never really
seen it as a tool for carving a better life. However, in these recent days, I
have come to learn of the significant impact a bike can make for an individual
and for a community. In the absence of a personal vehicle or public
transportation, a bicycle can be the means of economic and cultural
empowerment; for example, it can enable a female to get an education, a doctor
to care for more patients during the day, and a small business owner to
transport goods to the market so he or she can provide for their family.
I have experienced this
sense of empowerment on a micro-level. I am able to save myself the frustration (and expense) of
finding a parking place downtown by riding my bike instead of driving. In this
case, my bike has become more than just a tool for enjoyment; it has become a
practical tool. But even if I did not have a bike, I could always hop in the
car or take pubic transportation to accomplish my tasks. Many people do not
have this luxury. In their case, the stakes are much higher. Thus, we are asking
you to BE A COMPONENT in contributing to something bigger than ourselves.
This invitation is a
vehicle to provide access to independence and livelihood through the Power of
Bicycles. On
August 19th, I have the wonderful opportunity to join Jedidiah’s
team to ride in the Wrigley Field Road Tour. This
fundraiser will benefit two wonderful organizations: World Bicycle Relief (WBR)
and The Chicago Cubs Charity.
Coming this fall and winter season, WBR will partner with Jedidiah to create a Jedidiah clothing collection inspired by the works of WBR. Please check out www.worldbicyclerelief.org for more information about the people they serve and their programs. At Jedidiah, we are really excited about our upcoming partnership with WBR and specifically the impact this ride will create. To make this ride truly a success, we need your participation as we pedal 100 miles to raise financial support.
Coming this fall and winter season, WBR will partner with Jedidiah to create a Jedidiah clothing collection inspired by the works of WBR. Please check out www.worldbicyclerelief.org for more information about the people they serve and their programs. At Jedidiah, we are really excited about our upcoming partnership with WBR and specifically the impact this ride will create. To make this ride truly a success, we need your participation as we pedal 100 miles to raise financial support.
BE A COMPONENT.
Here’s how you can help:
Pray
The book of James states
that prayer is powerful and effective (James 5:16). We ask for your prayers as
we travel to participate in this event: for safety as all riders pedal 100
miles around Chicago Land, and that the work WBR and Jedidiah will do as a
result of the money raised will not only make lives better for many people but
the work will ultimately point people towards the love of Christ.
Donate
Once
there you will be able to enter the amount you wish to contribute.
By Mail:
Make checks payable to 'Jedidiah' and send to the following address:
Make checks payable to 'Jedidiah' and send to the following address:
Made For Good
Attn: Troy Be Ment
8949 Kenamar Drive, Suite #111
San Diego, CA 92121
By Phone:
If you
are having computer troubles, have a poor internet connection, or just plain
don’t like the world wide web, please feel free to give me a call: 847.494.0034
In
Person:
I would
really enjoy talking with you about the ride and different ways for you to be
involved. If you know of a time when you will see me, or would just like to
find a time to meet, my contact info is below.
Below are some specific
dollar amounts and how they transfer to tangible change.
$50.00 -
Provide a field mechanic with tools
$134.00 -
Inspire an individual: 1 Bicycle
$250.00 -
Train a field mechanic
$670.00 -
Mobilize a group: 5 Bicycles
$1,340.00
- Energize a neighborhood: 10 Bicycles
$10,000.00
- Cause a movement: 60 Bicycles, 5 Field Mechanics
$15,000.00
- Empower a community: 100 Bicycles, 12 Field Mechanics
These are
just some tangible examples of what a donation is able to do. Whether you are
able to give $5.00 or $5,000.00, you are a component in helping people travel
4x the distance, carry 5x as much, save someone 3 hours for every ten miles
traveled, and truly change someone’s life.
Chicago Land Locals
If you
are able to help with any of the logistics on the day of the ride –
transportation, bikes, or food – please contact me for more details on specific
needs.
Again, thank you for
taking the time to consider how you can BE A COMPONENT in changing a life
through the power of a bicycle.
Cheers and happy
riding,
Troy Be Ment
If at anytime you have a
question about these processes or would like more information about WBR and
Jedidiah, please give me a call or email. We will be sending out updates
periodically to keep you informed on the happenings with the ride.
