Tuesday, January 23, 2007

Generosity flows

Hey, I have to tell you how amazing the response has been to our ride. We plan to formally thank each and every one who donated toward our goal and those others who gave selflessly of their time and energy. What makes this all the more impressive is, we are not the best at asking for things. That independent streak runs deep and wide in each of us, so we thank you all for responding in such a positive way, even when the "ask" does not come easily. Some standouts are the following:

Pete Panagos - he provided enough air miles for our flight from St. Augustine, Florida, to Manchester, New Hampshire, then back home to the great Northwest. He is a generous and thoughtful person, and we look forward to seeing him after we complete the ride.

Fairrel and Phyllis Tackett - When we think of parents, the most accurate descriptive is - giving. We recently found out that Fairrel and Phyllis will stick loosely to our route until the Florida pan handle. The relief for both of us was palpable. Confidence and energy increase when someone is there who knows you and is on your side no matter what.

Barb Desclos - Here is a person whose organizational skills are powers used for good. She is instrumental in getting the word out to friends and family who knew and loved her mother, Phylis Panagos. We thank her for all the work she has already done, and for all the work to come. She says our goal is too low, and from what she is doing for us, she is probably right.

Salomon North America and West Portland Physical Therapy Clinic - Two of our primary sponsors. Both organizations, made up of a collection of individuals, have been nothing short of 100% positive and totally supportive in the form of time away to complete the ride and financial support toward our costs and direct fund raising efforts. We thank you all for your kindness and generosity.

Cord Amato - Graphics Czar who willingly designed our postcard. He is a talented and crazy/funny individual, and we appreciate his effort in making us look respectable and legit. the feedback on the postcard says he succeeded.

Jevon Crafts - Jevon maximized his link to the bike industry by calling in favors from friends in the industry and retail world. We thank Jevon for being so free with his assistance, and making the whole process more interesting and fun. Let's face it, Jevon has a sense of humor that is like nothing we've ever experienced before. Thanks man!

Brad Potts - Marketing Maverick who slopped some corporate dollars our way and took care of the postcard printing costs. His easy going manner and support saved us badly needed dollars that will go directly into our motel budget. Little does he know that his gesture will keep us out of a tent for several nights! How cool is that? Brad also connected us to the following three individuals.

Zack Grice, Nicholas Freedman and David L'Heureux - Each played a part in posting a short article on the website of one of the most widely read cycling publications, Bicycling Magazine (www.bicycling.com/article/1,6610,sl-3-12-15323-1,00.html). If we raise awareness of pancreatic cancer one click in few people, then we have succeeded. We sincerely appreciate this kind of exposure, and would not have it if not for their generosity.

Tom Trissel and Ralph Cronin - Sometimes dreams are made of the stuff that surrounds us. Tom Trissel made the ask of Ralph Cronin, President of Active Sports Group, Inc. for some Michelin tires and tubes. The heavy box showed up yesterday packed with tires, tubes, two Michelin Man (Bibendum) jerseys, socks and stickers. This kind of support is immediate and significant. We thank both for their thoughtful generosity.

New Braunfels Smokehouse - I came across their website and wanted some of their pepper turkey jerky, right now. I sent a letter, and in return they donated one pound of jerky. We make a daily effort in saving it for the ride. The jerky will get us up and out of San Diego, California. Our route through Texas takes us within about 50 miles of this little town with the big smokehouse.

There are so many more and we will make sure to not forget anyone. Thank you all.

over and out

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Donate to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network

donate at our fund raising website: www.firstgiving.com/rideforawareness donate by mail - make checks payable to PanCAN. Please send to:

Jennifer Morabito TeamHOPE Manager - West Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) 2141 Rosecrans Ave., Suite 7000 El Segundo, CA 90245

Please note on check that funds go toward Ride for Awareness 2007. Thank you.

donate by phone: Call toll free at 877-272-6226