This year is the 11th Tour du Rouge, a cycling tour from, Houston to New Orleans presented by the the Arc of the United States. This year I will participating in that ride. I am writing this in hopes that you can assist me in my fundraising efforts and support the Arc in all the good work they do.
The Arc is the largest national community-based organization serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and has been in operation for the past 65 years. The Arc provides a wide range of programs from early childhood intervention, supported employment, job training, transition planning, respite care, supported living and much more.
As the son of a special education teacher this cause is near and dear to me. While some kids slept in late over the summer break I often found myself being “voluntold” to assist my father as he went to work at a group home or the Brenham State Supported Living Center. Of course, as a teenager, this was not my first choice but in the end I was grateful for the experience. Volunteering to work with individuals with disabilities was an eye opening experience and made me realize that perhaps these folks are not so different from everyone else and perhaps just need a little bit of assistance, empathy, and above all, opportunity. This is exactly what The Arc aims to provide.
Initially, I wanted to do this ride, for the personal challenge, but after reading more about the Arc, I was reminded of all lessons I had learned over those summers and remembered the look of accomplishment and pride of the faces of the residents when they were able to do for themselves. I was also surprised to learn that my father was once the president of the Shelbyville Arc chapter .
This is a big ride with an equally big fundraising goal. I have 19 weeks to raise $4,000 and I am humbly asking for your help. I realize this is a lot of money but I have completely faith that this organization needs it and will use it to give a lot of people the opportunity they deserve. Anything you can afford to give would be greatly appreciated. If you only have $5 to spare than I would be grateful to have it.
Thank you so much for taking time to read this lengthy post. I appreciate your time and thank you in advance for your help. Time to start training!
