Concert inspires cyclists to ‘Ride for a Reason’
Their goal: to raise funds for humanitarian aid in Zimbabwe
April 1, 2008 - Aaron Heath, who is preparing to graduate May 10 with a bachelor’s degree in business management from North Carolina State University’s College of Management, has been putting his new business skills to a unique test.
Heath is the lead organizer for Ride for a Reason 2008 – a cross-country bike ride from Wallops Island, Va., to San Diego, Calif. Over the course of 63 days from June 1, 2008, until August 2, 2008, Heath and his riding companions will be traveling 3,551.6 miles.
While their website states that their goal is to have “an unforgettable adventure” – see the riders’ comments below - their reason for riding is to raise awareness and funds to support humanitarian causes in Zimbabwe.
Five of those are traveling from NC State University. Four others are starting the ride at the University of Maryland and University of North Carolina - Wilmington, and "various people along the way plan to join us for short stints," Heath said.
The riders have started blog about their project and plan to keep it updated as the journey begins.
Heath drew inspiration for the trip from a July 2007 benefit concert by the underground band Dispatch. The band’s members established The Dispatch Foundation, a 501c3 public charity, to support organizations that work to improve health and education for the people of Zimbabwe.
The southern African nation has been in the news most recently regarding its March 29 presidential election, the results of which had not yet been officially reported as of this writing. The nation also struggles with violence, an economy in crisis with a skyrocketing annual inflation rate, and severe food shortages resulting from drought and disruption to agriculture stemming from government land use policies.
On April 27, 2088, the Associated Press reported that the top U.S. envoy had urged the international community to take a tougher stance against the nation’s longtime leader Robert Mugabe and to halt increasing violence against opposition supporters.
The bicycle riders are accepting donations for The Dispatch Foundation via a link from the Ride for a Reason 2008 website. Four of the riders came to the College of Management for a photo. They are, from the right, Shawn Mims, Walker Owen, Colleen Brannen and Aaron Heath.
Why they’re riding
Aaron Heath, senior in business management, NC State College of Management with a concentration in business finance and international studies, focusing in Latin America, and a minor in Spanish: “I chose to do this because I thought that it was the best way to have a big graduation trip that could be beneficial to people who aren't as fortunate to be able to take such a trip – not to mention the adventure, sights, and experiences I will have along the way! Hometown: Ellicott City, Md.
Shawn Mims, junior in mechanical engineering, NC State College Engineering with a minor in entrepreneurship: “I had to get out of NC and explore the various sectors that exist within this nation - and the views! Hometown: Murphy, N.C.
Walker Owen. Senior in environmental engineering, NC State College of Engineering with minor in Spanish: “I want to do this trip for the adventure.” Hometown: Murphy, N.C.
Anne Wheatly, senior in communications, NC State College of Humanities and Social Sciences with a concentration in public relations and a minor in art and design: “Riding to help the cause, have fun, and promote alternative transportation and hug trees.”
Colleen Brannen, May 2007 NC State graduate with a masters in horticulture science: “Interested in going because I can't think of any good reason not to." Hometown: Omaha, Neb.
Also riding is Charles Brown, from Salisbury, Md.