|
| A Voyage of Discovery-Biking for Youth |
|
|
| This fall the four of us, Jean Marie, Rica, Lauren, and Sarah, embarked on a cross-country bike journey with the goal of raising money for the American Youth Foundation (AYF)–Merrowvista’s scholarship program. We hoped to raise at least 6,000 dollars, one dollar for every mile we anticipate biking and given that we have almost arrived at our original goal and we are only one month into our trip, we are going to raise our goal to $10,000 dollars to see if we can perhaps smash the original one.
Our journey began in Salem, MA, where we dipped our tires in the Atlantic, and it will conclude in San Francisco, where we will dip our tires in the Pacific. In between we hope to follow a U-shaped route, heading towards New Orleans and keeping south through the mid-west and southwest, before heading up the Pacific coast.
The AYF is a youth development organization that strives to empower children to be their best selves through outdoor and experiential learning in a summer camp setting. Together, the four of us have a combined 29 years of involvement with Merrowvista, and we have all experienced and observed first hand the incredibly significant impact that Merrowvista can have on campers. Whether it be through our in-camp pioneer/trailblazer program for younger campers, or through our on-trail four trails program for older campers, Merrowvista participants come away inspired and empowered. Campers embrace new activities, face healthy challenges, and learn and grow in a supportive and caring environment where their self-confidence and unique personalities are nurtured.
This is an experience we deeply believe all children should have access to regardless of financial capacity. That is why the development of the scholarship fund is so profoundly important, and why any donation you can give is so appreciated. All donations will go directly to the scholarship program, and will be utilized in getting a camper with limited financial means to Merrowvista. If you are interested in learning more about The American Youth Foundation-Merrowvista and our programs, you can visit the website at www.ayf.com.
Thank you in advance for your generosity and Happy Trails!
Sincerely,
Jean Marie Gossard
Erica Bryan
Lauren Abrami
Sarah Caliendo
"I am on a voyage of discovery. I search for those of you who will go on a great adventure. I am looking for you, one of the audacious few, who will face life courageously, ready to strike straight at the heart of anything that is keeping you from your best; you intrepid ones behind whom the world moves forward."
-William H. Danforth, Founder of the American Youth Foundation |
|
|
|
|
Total Donations: $9,850
Goal: $10,000
|
|
|
|
|
