One
Man, One Dog, One Purpose
[photo: Jon Weiner]
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It
all started with a
man named Bob wanting to ride a bike
across the United States from Savannah, GA to
San Francisco to shed some unwanted pounds and
regain his life after a health
scare earlier this year. What began
as a way to raise consciousness around the importance
of a healthy lifestyle has evolved into an effort
to raise money and increase awareness of the situation
in New Orleans. Hurricane Katrina may have dropped
from the headlines but many there are still very
much in need of financial assistance.
Bob
is currently pedaling across the country on a
recumbent tricycle while towing his dog Brandy
behind him. Unfortunately, he was forced to take
a break from the road after making it as far as
Austin, where his gall bladder decided it didn't
want to continue any further. After the gall bladder
attack and subsequent removal, he spent a couple
months recovering at home in Atlanta where he
racked up quite a few medical bills* that
threatened the remainder of the ride. He's officially
back in action however, and is scheduled to reach
San Francisco around the end of May! An avid music
fan, Bob's charity of choice is the High
Sierra Foundation's Katrina Relief Fund,
established to donate much-needed funds to the
New Orleans music community. In Bob's words...
"Most
of you know someone that was affected by Hurricane
Katrina. New Orleans is a place that it is 'all
about the music'. Let's keep the music alive in
New Orleans. Join with me and others to bring
relief to the music community and the city of
New Orleans. Many musicians not only lost their
instruments but also their homes. It only
takes a little effort by each of us to make a
difference. I think of the quote 'If not now,
when? If not you, who?' That quote rings through
every part of my being, and that's why I am taking
on this challenge. I can't change the whole world
but I will try to make a difference in one city,
a city that is defined by its great musical heritage."
Bob
has come up with the Give
Five Keep the Music Alive Challenge,
which asks folks to give any donation amount with
the number five in it. Everyone can be a part
of this campaign. Individually, it is a daunting
task. Together, we can change one life at a time.
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