Newschoolers,
I've seen the power of this community and I want to see it again.
Spring of this year, a younger friend of mine tragically took his own life. His death not only shocked our high school but our entire community. He was one of those rare guys that spent time with every single social group. One of the most enjoyable guys to hang out with and had the craziest sense of humor. If "Outgoing" was a person, Nick would be that guy. It's been months since his death and people are still struck by the choice he made.
This brings me to "Pedal for Purpose", a journey and fundraiser to be conducted by a friend of mine. His name is Mike Mayberry. Most communities have that one guy is an angel sent from god, and Mike is that guy for ours. He's an exceptional academic, athlete, with a humbling personality. Maybs, as he's known by, has decided to forego for a year all of the fortunes that athletics and academics would provide for him in college. Instead he's spending the gap year that we all wish we could have between high school and college and using it to explore life and do good for the world.
Mike's objective is to bike from our hometown of Worhtington, Ohio (a suburb of Columbus) starting in late September. Travelling down south to Alabama, head west to California, and then make his way back home in time for Christmas.
His goal is to raise at least $10,000 for American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
You can help him out by pledging a certain amount of money, or a penny for every mile that he bikes. You can go to his direct link I posted at the beginning and end of this thread. He just announced his plans yesterday (8.21) so his pages are still in the works. Mike is also starting from scratch for his trip. If anyone is an avid road biker and has spare equipment or travel necessities, or would like to purchase them for him let me know a well and I can provide his address.
It would only take 250 people to pledge a penny per mile (apx. $40) to achieve his goal of $10,000. With the size that NS is today, I don't see why this community of skiers can eclipse that number by ourselves.
Thanks,
Hoskins
