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Bike For Ben - 2007
Many thanks to all who participated in this years Bike for Ben on July 14th, 2007!
Again, the weather was beautiful, the crowd large and supportive, and the day a huge success!
Lots of good food, plenty of water to keep us hydrated, and lag vehicles for those of us who needed a lift! Lots of bikers, walkers, and plenty of strollers. Everyone there in support of The Independence Foundation and the Independence House!
Our First mile is the Memory Mile – and this year there were so many to remember: Greg Wagner, Elliott Golach, Eric Grammas, Alisa McFarland, Jerod Lane, Marc Swiatkowski, and Emily Morgan. We grieve the loss of these wonderful young adults.
The lime green t-shirts this year were a big hit! Again designed by our very own Jon Gardner – who still hopes to live in the Independence House. The design this year is a house – and the tag line- Independence… one house at a time. It describes our mission – to establish housing for these young folks.
Our final mile was marked by signs that showed our progress over the past two years, ending with our biggest accomplishment – the new home in East Aurora!
$38,000 was raised between donations that day and Corporate Sponsors. These funds will continue to support our programs:
- Residential options
- Two power wheelchair soccer teams
- Our transportation program
- Three $500 College scholarships
- Wheelchair Van donation program
- Equipment Loan Closet
- Resources on our website
- Social gatherings
Thank you to all of the groups who held special fundraising events to support the Bike for Ben:
The Hocutt Family and the Sweethome School at their Bake Sale:
The Stoffel Family at their Garage Sale:
Thank you to our Build a House Sponsors:
Uncle Bob’s Self Storage
Inergex
And to First Niagara Bank for their help.
Heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this day possible: all the good folks at The Marilla United Methodist Church, The Marilla Volunteer Firemen & women, The Girls Scouts, and all of our family and friends – we anxiously look forward to seeing you again next year at the Bike for Ben!
See photos from this years Bike for Ben (Hosted by Flickr)
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