The cause...
Brian & Joan Kaplan
P.O. Box 95313 Atlanta, GA 30347 (404) 315 0088
www.charitybikeride.org
bkaplan@mindspring.com
April 1, 1999
Dear Friend:
This summer we will embark on a journey that was first a dream, then an idea and now an exciting reality – to bike across America. Although this is something we have always wanted to do, the real inspiration to do the ride came when we decided the charity that would benefit from the ride.
As you may know, one of our family members suffers from mental illness. As the illness worsened during the past several years, we’ve navigated through a maze of hospitals, jails and courts. We were riding a seemingly endless rollercoaster. We are not alone. One in 5 families in America is trying to cope with the effects of mental illness which encompasses schizophrenia, depression, anxiety and other biological brain disorders.
We’ve found an organization to assist us, and now we want to assist them.
The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, (NAMI) is the nation’s largest support and advocacy group, consisting of 208,000 members and more than 1,200 affiliate organizations. Their mission is to eradicate the stigma of brain disorders and to improve the life of those touched by these illnesses. The organization is rated "A+", in the top 10% of national charities by Money magazine. More information about NAMI is enclosed.
Our goals are to raise awareness of NAMI and to raise funds to help make a difference in the lives of the mentally ill and their loved ones. Please join us by becoming a member of NAMI and making a contribution in the form of a sponsorship of our ride, 100% of which will go to NAMI to further their work. Our goal is a minimum of 180 new members for NAMI and to raise at least $ 25,000. In this packet you’ll find a pledge form, a NAMI brochure/membership form and a map/itinerary.
Now more about the ride! Brian will ride a bicycle 3,500 miles across America and Joan will drive the "sag wagon". We will spread the message of NAMI through cities and towns along our route, which begins June 14, 1999 at the Atlantic Ocean at Rehobeth Beach, Delaware and culminates on August 10, 1999 at the Pacific Ocean in Haceto Beach, Oregon.
Please join us! Really! We invite you to join any part of this journey… pedal with us, keep us company in the sag wagon, or simply show support with a financial contribution.
Should you need more information please call, write, email us at bkaplan@mindspring.com
We hope you’ll be a part of our journey.
Joan & Brian
Click here to pledge on-line or by mail.
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