I'm planning to drive my Vespa scooter from Raleigh, NC to Las Vegas and back in May. I'll meet up with a flock of other fools who have driven across the country, just to drive in yet another big circle through parts of Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and Arizona, merely to benefit a charity. I'm truly looking forward to gaze at the Grand Canyon, Mesa Verde, Monument Valley, and the surrounding areas. Places I've never visited.There are two charities who benefit directly from this escapade. Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS: the nation's leading industry based HIV/AIDS fund-raising and grant-making organization; and Behind the Scenes: providing financial support to entertainment technology industry professionals in crisis. There's lots more info here about the ride with links to the charities as well.
I've never done a long distance expedition of this proportion in my entire life, let alone on two 12" scooter tires. Put me behind the wheel of a car, and typically my soporific sojourn begins. I'm confident however, the thrill of this odyssey along with the spectre of butt numbing adventure will keep me spry and awake. I'll be the lone Vespa scooter amongst a herd of Harleys and Buells.But here's the real deal: I've got to drum up a minimum of $1000 in donations to either charity in order to participate. It's not a pledge per mile thing, and it's not to defray the costs of any of the ride expenses. Your donation goes directly to the charity, not to the riders. We all still have to cover our own expenditures on the ride, getting there, and back. Just open your hearts and your pocketbooks, well checkbooks really, and make your check payable to either charity. There's a nifty form to send with your check: Click Here for a PDF to print out and mail in with your tax deductible donation.
If you prefer, you can make an online donation, fully tax deductible, with your credit card directly to either organization here: http://www.lrlr.org/donate.html Follow the links at the bottom of the page. Many thanks for considering a contribution to either of these foundations who benefit from this event. I think this ride should be a blast.
