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Send-offGTE
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ReleaseTwenty-Six L.A. County Residents
Gather for the Toughest Ride of Their Life.
GTE Big Ride Send-Off
June 9, 1998(Los Angeles, June 5, 1998)? The GTE Big Ride originates June 15, 1998 in Seattle, Washington and for 6 1/2 weeks, 1,000 riders will experience America from their bicycle. ?The Ride is a mobile city, traveling through Washington, Idaho, Montana, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia. ?Their arrival in Washington, D.C. August 1st will mark the beginning of a new awareness of the American Lung Association and the end of a year long journey of personal triumph and increased self-awareness.
All riders will average more than 80 miles per day while crossing some of the highest mountains and hottest plains in the country.
Local Altadena GTE Big Riders, Roland Bevan and Jennifer Caetta, to be married in September, have asked their wedding guests to pledge money to their endeavor.
"Because of our conviction that the American Lung Association of Los Angeles County is a worthy cause, we are donating six and one-half weeks of time during which we could have otherwise been earning money. ?We are asking that instead of wedding presents, you pledge, not your time, not your legs, but instead your money."
Torrance resident Juanesta Holmes is script supervisor for Warner Brothers' "The Steve Harvey Show", and has secured donations from the show's staff. "My boss, Steve Harvey bought my bike and Stan Lathan, who is the director and executive producer, was responsible for providing me with my tent and other camping essentials."
The June 9th send-off, by invitation only, provided the Riders with their first opportunity to meet face to face and get to know one another before heading off to Seattle for the 3,254 mile ride of a lifetime. ?In addition, the event celebrates their participation in the largest bike ride across country in American history. ?As they conquer the challenge of a lifetime, they will be helping people in their own communities breathe easier by raising money for the American Lung Association of Los Angeles County, the nation's oldest volunteer health organization.
Los Angeles cyclists for the GTE Big Ride met at the American Lung Association of Los Angeles County for a GTE Big Ride send-off. Lying on the bottom of picture is Robert Bradford #1027, from Los Angeles. Left-to-right: Jennifer Caetta # 1041, Altadena; Patty Brown # 1375, Los Angeles; Jennifer Hodgens # 1145, San Dimas; Juanesta Holmes #1377, Torrance; Ashley Crary, # 1528, Los Angeles. From behind Patty, is Roland Bevan #1042, Altadena; the two women standing in the center are Nancy Smith # 1189, North Hollywood, Andrea Mullen #1260, North Hollywood. The last row left-to-right are Steve Ferrari #2161, Manhattan Beach; Rod Deluhery #1682, El Segundo; Peter Croshere #1874, Mar Vista; Laura Creighton #2146, Northridge; Arturo Jimenez #1916, Venice; Peggy Morgan # 1781, El Monte and John Thurm # 1461 from Los Angeles.
Official sponsors are
GTE, ? Ultima Replenisher Sports Drink ,? ?and Folgers Instant Coffee.
?
For more information, Contact:
Suzanne Thompson
, x 254
?
and visit the GTE Big Ride website.
?The American Lung Association has been fighting lung disease for more than 90 years. With the generous support of the public and the help of volunteers, we have seen many advances against lung disease. ?However, the work is not finished. ?As we look forward to our second century, we will continue to strive to make breathing easier for everyone.
Along with our medical section, the Trudeau Society of Greater Los Angeles, the American Lung Association of Los Angeles County provides programs of education, community service, advocacy and research. ?The American Lung Association's activities are supported by donations to Christmas Seals ? and other voluntary contributions because...When You Can't Breathe, Nothing Else Matters. ?
Photos and personal interviews are available upon request
(Updated 08/16/98)
When You Can't Breathe, Nothing Else Matters. ?
The mission of the American Lung Association of Los Angeles County
is to prevent and eliminate lung disease
and to improve the quality of life and health of those with lung disease.
Your contributions to Christmas Seals ? help make the difference.For more information on lung health, programs, and special events,
call ?? (or ? ; ? ; ?1-800-LUNG-USA), ?or send us email.
(c) 1998 American Lung Association of Los Angeles County