Hopefully you have enjoyed the video blogs, gave and have shared with others about the journey of Ride For 146. We did the ride because we wanted to raise money and awareness in supporting the efforts of Love 146 in their fight against human trafficking and child sexual slavery. We rode because we believe that every child deserves to be rescued, restored and to know a Father’s love. And while we have not yet reached our goals for raising funds, we have had the opportunity to share with so many from Indiana to NYC the mission of Love 146.
One of our greatest joy’s was to witness how so many people came together to make this happen. Early on in the planning and coordinating stage we received valuable assistance from the Indianapolis based group U-ACT, Daniel Herndon of Redwall Live, Penny Hunsicker and Tara Rudolph. City Community Church and East 91st St. Christian Church supported both financially and gave us platforms for us to share. Know No Stranger, a collective of theater artists who create interactive performances, held a fund raiser and raised nearly $2,300. Starbucks, Walmart and Dick’s Sporting Goods donated product to help. Along the way churches like Greene Street United Methodist Church in Piqua, OH and Berean Baptist in Mansfield, OH opened their doors and gave us a place to shower and sleep. At Grove City College the social justice group Streams of Justice bought us dinner, moved people around and gave us their bunks for a night.
St. Peter’s United Church of Christ did not have a place for us to stay so they purchased hotel rooms and brought us dinner. We will never forget the love they shared with us that evening. Bob, Dennie, Nancy, Fred and Doug are amazing people that we were blessed to meet. Pastor Bob Newell was able to connect us with the Central Pennsylvania CBS affiliate and we got some good press on TV that night. In Sunbury, PA Shelly Messner of The Mission House gave us the house for a night and we got the privilege of having dinner with Brian Sanders from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. The YMCA / YWCA of Hazleton, PA also offered us a place to clean up and sleep. While there Marijo Penkala and the rest of their staff passed out our handouts and spread the word about our mission. It was a very rewarding experience.
And just when we needed some an escape, Scott at the Pocono Community Theatre opened his doors and treated us all to a movie. Kristine Revenal at the Hampton Inn in Secaucus gave us a $150 discount on rooms because she wanted to help. And Bill Beck, a professional photographer in NYC, took our pictures once we arrived at Liberty Park.
Does it not just blow you away how so many people cared enough to help? In order to pull off an endeavor of this proportion it takes so many people. The power of community was on display throughout our journey. It simply could not have happened without these people responding. Their efforts have is both a blessing and humbling.
Of course the need for funding in order for Love 146 to rescue and restore victims of sexual slavery will continue even though our ride was completed. The donation tab will be available throughout the month of October for all those who care to give. Afterward October, if you wish to give directly to Love 146 you can do so at www.love146.org.
Lastly, we want to thank everyone who gave. Without your support this journey would have been in vain.
Sincerely,
The Ride For 146 Team
Wednesday, October 27, 2010 at 9:04AM 