KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – A group of cyclists who are making a cross-country journey to raise awareness and funds for people with disabilities will make an overnight stop in Kalamazoo Saturday.
44 men from the Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity cycle an average of 75 miles per day as part of the Journey of Hope, a flagship event of The Ability Experience. It spans over 4,000 miles across the United States, with two teams starting from Seattle and San Francisco and converging at our nation’s capital in Washington, D.C.
The group says this annual summer event is not only a physical challenge but also a mission to spread the message of inclusion and support for the disability community. Each team member commits to raising a minimum of $6,500, contributing to the overall goal of raising $500,000 to support the organization’s broader mission of enhancing the lives of people with disabilities.
Throughout their journey, cyclists engage in “friendship visits,” interacting with individuals with disabilities at various partner organizations. The visits include
activities such as dances, games, and advocacy events.
Saturday the Journey of Hope North team will arrive in Kalamazoo at 3:00 p.m. Their housing will be at Western Michigan University dormitories. At 4:00 pm, the team will have dinner and a friendship visit with the local Arc, at 607 East Kilgore Road in Kalamazoo.
The Ability Experience, the national philanthropy of the Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, was established in 1977.Organizers say its mission is to use shared experiences to support people with disabilities and develop fraternity members into servant leaders. They have raised over $20 million in almost 50 years.
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