Park-2-Park Montana ride leader Rick Bush of Helena shows off the custom Park-2-Park jersey from 2006. Cyclists who participate in the 2007 ride and raise at least $750 in contributions for CASA of Montana will be awarded a custom jersey like this.
Riders to Cycle Across Montana for CASA and Abused Children
CASA of Montana is looking for riders to cycle across Montana from Glacier Park to Yellowstone Park and sponsors to support the ride. The 385-mile Park-2-Park Montana bike ride will raise money and awareness of CASA programs across the state. It will benefit CASA of Montana and the non-profit network of 15 local CASA programs.
About 15 riders, from Wisconsin to Washington State, Whitefish, Billings, Great Falls and Helena, have already registered. Only 40 slots are available. Last year 25 riders, including six attorneys, raised more than $20,000 for CASA. This year's goal is $25,000. Court Appointed Special Advocates are volunteers that speak for nearly 1,000 children in Montana who are in the court abuse and neglect system through no fault of their own.
The Third annual Park-2-Park Montana ride is planned for Sept 3-7, 2007. The route will take cyclists from St. Mary - on the eastern side of Glacier National Park - through spectacular scenery down along US 89 through Dupuyer, Choteau, Great Falls, White Sulphur Springs and Livingston and conclude at Gardiner near Yellowstone National Park.
Cardiosystems of Billings is the Platinum Sponsor for the bike ride, with Alan Nicholson Inc. in Helena, the Montana Credit Union Network, Montana Travel Management of Kalispell, the St. Mary's East Glacier KOA, and Bank of the Rockies as Gold Sponsors. Silver sponsors include BlueCross BlueShield, New West Health Plans, Valley Bank and the Neighborhood Office.
CASA of Montana is seeking sponsors for the ride. It is a great opportunity to showcase support for Montana's children. Sponsor levels are Platinum - $1,000, Gold - $500 and Silver - $250.
Rider slots are still available, but the number of riders is capped at 40, so register soon. The ride cost is $400 before Aug. 5 and $500 after that date. Registration includes four nights of lodging, meals and support vehicles. Riders are expected to raise at least $200 in pledges and a custom bike jersey is awarded to those who raise $750 or more.
Daily ride distances are 55-100 miles. The ride begins at the St. Mary's/ East Glacier KOA campground in St. Mary. Local CASA programs, including CASA for Kids (Kalispell), Great Falls CASA CAN and 6th Judicial CASA in Livingston will provide meals, snacks and support services for the riders as they come through their area.
More than 400 volunteers are advocating for 1,000 children in the court's abuse and neglect system, but more volunteers and funding are needed to serve children. District court judges appoint trained volunteers to conduct a thorough investigation of the child's situation, to monitor the case and to make recommendations to the court on behalf of the child.
See the website at www.casagal.org for more details on the ride. For more information, call CASA of Montana at 866 863 2272 or e-mail.
