In early 2005, I ran across a notice mentioning a non-profit organization called The Smile Train that helps children all over the world with cleft lips and palates. We, as a society, take many things for granted such as breathing, eating, drinking, speaking and smiling. But what if we were prevented from doing these seemingly mundane activities? What if we were born with a cleft lip and palate that so disfigured us, we would be shunned by society?
The idea to promote fun and exercise, while at the same time bringing awareness to an international cause most people know nothing about gave me a vision of having a fun filled family oriented afternoon that not only promotes a healthy lifestyle, but would also produce everlasting results for children around the world who are in desperate need of a simple, life changing operation. This has been perhaps the single greatest motivation for organizing an event such as the one that’s about to take place... my love of children; the innocents of this world, who, through no fault of their own, are sometimes not only born into a cruel environment, but enter life with a handicap (in this case, a cleft lip and palate) that can easily (and inexpensively) be repaired.
For $250 (all of it tax deductible) and in as little as 45 minutes, you can be personally responsible for giving a child a new chance at life.
I would personally encourage each one of you who has the desire to participate in this ride to raise as much as you can, or at the very minimum the $250.00 required for a child’s operation.
One child per cyclist and beyond should be our motto.
If you can, please join me on Saturday, September 13th in my back yard, and cycle among the giants!
You won’t be disappointed...
See you on the trail,
Kevin
PS... If you can’t make the ride, please consider making a donation in any amount to The Smile Train where 100% of the tax deductible funds will go toward the operation of a child in desperate need. Thank-you.
