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PUSH
PUSH A~nerica '88 A Journey Of Hope ~-· ~·...:..__===
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This summer, PUSH will literally reach across America, as a select team of twenty-five cyclists and crew members, from Pi Kappa Phi chapters nationwide, pedal from coast to coast wit11 tlle goal of raising over $50,000 for PUSH. It is being billed as tlle largest special event in ilie ten year history of PUSH and has fast become one of tlle most exciting projects ever for Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity. The PUSH America team will begin it's journey on June 13, 1988 in San Diego, Califor-
nia. During tlle trip tl1e group will pedal tllrough such cities as Phoenix, Dallas, Bimlingham, Atlanta, Charlotte, and Richmond. Then on August 12, over 3,000 miles later, tlle team will arrive at our nation's capital for a weekend of sight-seeing, handshaking and celebrating. Throughout tlle trip, dozens of public presentations have been scheduled witll civic groups, chambers of commerce and tlle local media. "We really want to maximize ilie publicity an event such as tllis can generate," said Ken Kaiser, Assistant Director of PUSH and a coorganizer of tlle event. "Our goal is not only to raise money, but also to raise iliepublic's awareness of PUSH and of tlle special population PUSH seeks to serve. The majority of tlle money raised will come directly from tlle riders tllemselves. Each is responsible for raising a minimum of $2,500 in pledges and contributions before tlle trip begins. For tllose unable to participate in tlle coast to coast trip, "regional ride-alongs" arc being organized. nus will provide cyclists a
chance to join tlle team and ride along for a shorter distance such as across a state. These riders will also be asked to ~llect pledges and contributions to PUSH but at a lesser amount. En route, the team will be holding numerous fundraisers as well, to insure tllat tlleir $50,000 goal is reached. All participants will receive a complete fundra.ising packet which assists tllem in approaching family, friends, civic groups and organizations, and local chambers of commerce for pledges and contributions to PUSH. They will also recieve additional support from the event coordinators in organizing tlleir own fundraising events. One person iliat is already providing support and suggestions to tlle riders is Jim Karlovec, a veteran cross country cyclist and project coordinator of the event. Jim, a Pi Kappa Phi initiate of Delta Sigma Chapter at Bowling GreenS tate University, has experience not only in riding in such events, but in organizing them as well. Jim is in charge of all areas of PUSH America '88 dealing witll the actual bicycling trip, as well as obtaining local support (donated food, lodging and services for tlle riders) along the way. Jim's expertise as a professional cyclist will prove invaluable along tlle way, for tlle trip will not be an easy one. The PUSH America cyclists will ride an estimated 55-110 miles a
"The Ultimate Experience in Freedom"
PUSH Listed on Combined Federal Campaign "!-
"A New Place to Live, Learn and Grow" Bruce Rogers, Chi Chapter Motivated by a lifetime ambition and desire to help tllose less fortunate, Bruce Rogers, a member of Chi chapter at Stetson and recent graduate of Duke Law School, set off on a crosscountry bicycle trip from Florence, Oregon to Yorktown, Virginia. Forty-five days and over 4,000 miles later, Bruce completed his ultimate goal by pedaling from coast to coast and raising over $1,000 for PUSH. 'This is something I've always wanted to do," said Bruce. "Beside being a personal form of celebration for my graduation and the good fortune I have enjoyed tllroughout my life, I realized that others could benefit tllrough t11is venture as well. As the national service project of our fraternity, PUSH seemed like ilie logical place to start." He then asked his friends and relatives to make a pledge to PUSH in lieu of a graduation gift. "At times tlle trip was the ultimate experience in freedom - riding down a lone country road, crystal clear blue sky, tlle sun shining brightly, a swift tail wind and the pedals spinning effortlessly. And then at oilier times, tlle trip was the ultimate lesson in spiritual, physical, and mental discipline- hitchhiking 50 miles back to the nearest town for a new axle, riding tllrough all -day down-pours, camping out on a mountain pass on below freezing nights witll all my gear soaked and my food supply exhausted. However, the most important point I must
emphasize is tllat the good times far outweighed the bad." "I looked upon this trip as a chance not only to raise money for our severely handicapped citizens, but also to further my own personal development. Each day brought new challenges, adventures and adversity which became building blocks for greater discipline and strengtll. I cannot begin to mention all the kind folks who took time out to help, encourage and inspire me." In Charlottesville, Virginia, Bruce was joined by Jim Firster, tlle Executive Director of PUSH, for ilie last two days of this journey. "I was deeply touched by Bruce's commitment to PUSH and his underlying values," said Firster. "Rarely have I met someone tllat so impressed me. Bruce proved to me that he is an outstanding young man who embodies ilie many values tllat we as a fraternity believe and practice." Not only did Bruce accomplish his lifetime dream, he also pioneered an idea which has quickly become one of ilie most exciting fundraising projects in the history of PUSH (see PUSH America '88). Many tllanks to Bruce for his sincere dedication and commitment to our national service project. Along witll some lifetime memories of his adventure, he can be assured that his efforts touched tlle lives of many otllers as well.
day, in tlle heat of summer, to maintain ilieir schedule and will have to begin training montlls in advance. The trip is not without its incentives, however. Besides offering a chance to travel across the country, food and lodging will be provided along witll clotlling, gear and prizes. The top fundraiser will also win a free cruise to ilie Bahamas. To be selected for tlle PUSH America '88 team, applicants must have shown boili cycling experience and fundraising potential. All money raised by tlle team members will be counted toward ilieir chapter's total contribution to PUSH for the year. Altllough tlle riders themselves will raise ilie majority of tlle funds for this project, it's ultimate success will depend on donations and support for tlle group along ilie way. Pi Kappa Phi alumni who wish to get involved can do so by donating services and goods such asloC!ging, food, media attention and fundraising assistance. If you are interested in more information about PUSH America '88 and how yo).lcan help out, or perhaps even ride along, please. contact PUSH Assistant Director Ken Kaiser at ilie PUSH Office, P.O. Box 1972, Morganton, NC 28655, (704) 433-0223 or Project Coordinator Jim Karlovec at (419) 353-7016. With your help, PUSH America '88 will surely be "A Journey of Hope." .....
Again, ilianks to ilie creative expertise of Jim Mountjoy and his staff at Loeffler Mountjoy Marketing and Advertising Agency, PUSH has kicked off its most recent campaign tlleme. The new materials include posters, leaflets and a corporate brochure, with tllecampaign ilieme as a common element tllroughout. Brotller Mountjoy, Delta Lambda, who serves on the PUSH Board of Directors has shared his creative talent with Pi Kappa Phi on many oilier occasions. In addition to past PUSH materials, he also spearheaded ilie design of tlle alcohol and sexual abuse posters which have botll received professional awards and gained favorable auention for Pi Kappa Phi.
For more information on
PUSH, Inc., please write or call: PUSH, Inc. P.O. Box 1972 Morganton, NC 28655 Attn: Jim Firster, Executive Director (704) 433-0233
PUSH was recently placed into tlle Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) for tlle Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. All federal employees in tlle area will have the opportunity to direct federal charity funds to PUSH by designating tlle project as ilieir charity of choice on tlleir CFC forms each year. We hope that all federally-employed alumni will earmark their contributions and encourage t11eir co-workers to do ilie same. If PUSH is not already included on tlle current form, employees may designate it on tlle line marked "other". PUSH plans to apply for CFC placement in oilier areas heavily populated wiili federal employees such as Baltimore, Newport News and San Diego. The placement into tlle CFC is a result of ilie work of Mark Neftzger, the 1987 PUSH summer intern from Oklahoma State.
PUSH Receives Prestigious Award Over tlle past ten years, PUSH has been recognized by many professionals as a leading service provider in the field of mental retardation. Recently, PUSH received its highest honor yet as ilie recipientofthe" Henry B. Dillard Distinguished Service Award." The award was presented at the Souilieastern American Association of Mental Retardation (SAAMR) conference held tllis year in Nashville, Tennessee. Accepting the award on behalf of PUSH was Regina Moody, a member of ilie PUSH Board of Directors, attending the conference. The Dillard award is presented each year to individuals or agencies for outstanding service, leadership or training in the field of mental retardation. The significance of this honor is evident as tlle John F. Kennedy Center for Research was last year's recipient. "The award is largely the result of our Research Associate, Debbie Leder," said Jim Firster, Executive Director of PUSH. "She has been actively involved in presenting information on PUSH to oilier professionals in the field. This most recent award is testimony to her dedication and hard work."