Mountain State Welcomes Push America: Journey of Hope

In Huntington

Mountain State Centers for Independent Living staff and consumers will once again welcome the Journey of Hope cyclists from PUSH America to Huntington. Plans for a reception and friendship visit are being made for their arrival on August 2, 2007. For more information on their Huntington visit, please contact Cathy Hutchinson at 304-525-3324 or chutchinson@mtstcil.org.

Read recap of PUSH American in Huntington.

In Beckley

Staff and consumers from Mountain State Centers for Independent Living in Beckley will welcome the PUSH America cyclists on August 4, 2007. Plans are underway for dinner and a friendship visit. For more information on their visit to Beckley, please contact Cindy Hungate at 304-255-0122 or via email at beckley@mtstcil.org.

Push America

Push America was founded in 1977 by Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity with the purpose of instilling lifelong service in its members and enhancing the quality of life for people with disabilities. Push America is still fulfilling the purpose it was intended for, but has grown into a nationwide organization with numerous programs educating undergraduates, alumni, and communities about the abilities of people with disabilities.

Since 1988 Pi Kappa Phi has been cycling across the country to promote awareness on behalf of people with disabilities. Their cycling events raise over $500,000 every summer that benefits people with disabilities.

The Journey of Hope:

• an inspiring 16 person team of collegiate members of the Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity from across the United States. Each cyclist must raise $5,000 to qualify for the team. Each crew member much raise $2,500 to qualify for the team.
• an average ride of 75 miles per day
• a 4,285 mile, 73 day cycling trek across the United States beginning in Florence, Oregon and ending in Washington, DC

For more information on the Journey of Hope 2007 and Push America, please visit them at: www.pushamerica.org.

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