2012 Levi's Gran Fondo Donation Request

Thanks so much to everyone who gave so generously last year to the charities of Levi’s Gran Fondo. 

I promise this year to not bombard you with a ton of emails - time is short and I know a lot of people are tapped out

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As you may know, I am riding in this event again this year, and would greatly appreciate your donation on my behalf.  Last year I had a fun gimmick to offer in return for your donation.  This year, I don’t have anything as interesting.  Although if you all help to reach my goal, I will randomly draw a name to decide how I will grow my Mo for Movember ( http://us.movember.com/ ). The money raised goes to help many important activities, including support for Cancer patients, a project to help at risk youth and rural schools and fire departments in the Santa Rosa area.  See the bottom of the email for information on the charities.

I have stepped up the length of my ride this year from 103 miles versus the 65 miles I rode last year.  Similarly I raised my fundraising goal to $2800, from the $2120 you all provided in 2011. 

I need your help though.  Time is short as all fundraising for this year must be done by the first week of September.  The fastest way to donate is to go to my personal donation page and donate via credit card http://www.levisgranfondo.com/fund-raiser?uid=ccallana. Please click now! :)  You can also donate by Cash or Check.  The fastest method here is to send it to me, and I will donate on-line in your name (I know, this sounds fishy, but it’s not).  If this makes you uncomfortable, you can make a check out to VeloStreet Inc and send it either to me and I will forward it, or directly to them.  However this option takes a bit longer to sort out.

Please forward to all your generous friends! :)

Thank you again! Levi, VeloStreet, the supported charities and I very much appreciate your continued support.  

--Chris

VeloStreet’s Cycling Initiatives Program

VeloStreet, the non-profit arm of the GranFondo, has a series of hands-on initiatives that aim to directly improve cycling resources in the communities in which the GranFondo operates and throughout California. The current program changes with the cycling needs of the area, but is currently working on the following projects:

• Support and further fundraising for emergency management of local mountain bike-friendly State Parks threatened by closures due to budget cuts.
• A cycling-specific signage program for favored bicycle routes throughout Sonoma County to facilitate lawful cycling for tourists and to increase awareness amongst local residents.
• A competitive grant program to fund cycling infrastructure and education in California and beyond.

Forget Me Not Farm

Since its inception in 1992, Forget Me Not Farm has helped thousands of at-risk children and youth break the cycle of abuse. Located on the grounds of the Humane Society & SPCA of Sonoma County, the Farm offers animal-assisted and horticultural therapeutic activities that provide a haven for children, plants and animals to bond, learn, and heal with one another.

  

Community Giving

Much of the GranFondo course traverses beautiful rural scenery with little to no development. Looks can be deceiving however, for there are folks living in these fine stretches of country with kids that need as good a dose of learning as their city dwelling brethren. Problem is, much of these school districts have to spend more money to educate fewer students across these widely spread areas. On top of that, since there are less kids in the classroom, less money comes down from local, state, and federal coffers. The GranFondo is working with schools along the route to identify needs and support this community as we enjoy the views and terrain in their backyards. Additionally, this gets these kids excited about cycling at a young age and in a time where childhood obesity and nutrition are major problems for developing children.

This same geographic and financial situation extends to emergency services and other community services, not just schools. The GranFondo supports these vital local resources so that folks who make their life in further flung areas of the county can continue to have the same opportunities as their urban comrades.

LIVESTRONG

Founded in 1997 by cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong and based in Austin, Texas, LIVESTRONG supports the 28 million people around the world living with cancer today. LIVESTRONG connects individuals to the support they need, leverages funding and resources to spur innovation and engages communities and leaders to drive social change. Known for the iconic yellow wristband, LIVESTRONG’s mission is to inspire and empower anyone affected by cancer. For more information visitwww.livestrong.org.