Biking to Benefit TPL, Other Nonprofits

Boston, Massachusetts: Today, three Massachusetts natives are leaving behind all the comforts of home to bicycle from Boston, Massachusetts to Portland, Oregon to raise awareness and money for four nonprofits: Alternatives for Community & Environment, Friends of Farmworker Families Fund, Island of Hope, and the Trust for Public Land.

Matthew Kilroy of South Boston, Philip Noyes previously of Duxbury, and Chad Perry of Brookline will embark today at 10:00 a.m. from the Pavilion at the end of Long Wharf in Boston. They will travel through New York State, Ontario, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota, Wyoming and Idaho en route to Oregon. Friends, family members, and representatives from the benefiting organizations will join them for the first few miles of the trip.

Chad, riding to raise awareness and funds for the Trust for Public Land, says, “I’m bicycling across the country not only to raise awareness and funds for the Trust, but to meet the people and experience firsthand the special places that enhance the quality of life in our communities?the quality of life the Trust helps to preserve.”

Whitney Hatch, New England regional director of the Trust for Public Land, said, “These three young men are setting a high standard for the rest of us, and are highlighting the difference that one committed person—or even better, three committed people—can make. We are grateful to Chad, and we wish him and his companions the best of luck on this generous and challenging journey.”

Matt, supporting Alternatives and Community (ACE), explains, “There are people in this world that dedicate their lives to others, that work tirelessly for equality, for justice, for a better world. ACE is out there doing this everyday…my own investment of time, money, and energy to ride across the country to help them keep doing it is comparatively small.”

“We are honored that Matt and his partners have chosen to take us along on their journey of a lifetime,” said Penn Loh, executive director of ACE. “His cross country trek is bringing much needed resources to communities fighting for environmental justice.”

“Public Health research forces us to recognize just how vitally important community really is,” explains Philip, riding to support Friends of Farmworkers Families Fund and Island of Hope. “Through this ride I hope to raise money and awareness for farmworkers who face deplorable health conditions, and youth cancer survivors who, while confronting their own mortality, are able to hold onto hope.”

Island of Hope spokesperson Sara Lorden said, “Island of Hope gives teens with cancer and survivors of cancer an opportunity to meet other kids who have cancer while learning some skills that hopefully will help them as they face challenges and obstacles in life. We ask kids and families to push the envelope, to challenge themselves and we are proud that Phil who was once an instructor and leader with IOH has chosen the same path for himself. He and all the riders set an excellent example of determination, commitment, and challenge. We wish Phil, Chad and Matt the best of luck on their journey and are grateful for their generous support.”

Andrea Kauffold of Farmworker Families Funds said, “The National Center for Farmworker Health, Inc. is honored to have Phil Noyes advocate for the Friends of Farmworker Families Fund. The donations and awareness he will raise through his journey will help improve healthcare access for farmworkers across the nation. On behalf of farmworker families and migrant health centers across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, we wish Phil the best.”

“3 Guys Biking: A Ride of Passage,” has already raised more than $12,000 for the four organizations. Because the riders are covering the costs of their trip, 100 percent of the funds raised will go directly to the four nonprofit organizations.

Alternatives for Community & Environment (ACE) has been working with low-income communities and communities of color to achieve environmental justice since 1993. ACE provides legal and technical support, educational programs, and organizing assistance throughout New England to solve environmental problems and develop local leadership. For more information, call (617) 442-3343 or visit www.ace-ej.org.

Established in 1997 by the National Center for Farmworker Health, the Friends of Farmworker Families Fund provides financial assistance to farmworkers and their families in need of health care services when affordable or pro-bono help cannot be found. For more information, call (800) 377-9968 or visit www.ncfh.org/fund.htm.

Island of Hope is a place young people with cancer can take a summer break from their everyday routine for a week of outdoor activities and friendship. Outdoor activities, guidance and teamwork combine to provide an invaluable learning experience designed to positively enhance these young lives. For more information, call (508) 650-4301 or visit www.islandofhope.org.

The Trust for Public Land is a national conservation organization dedicated to protecting land for people to enjoy as parks and open space. Since 1972, TPL has protected more than 1.2 million acres nationwide, including nearly 75,000 acres in New England. The Wall Street Journal’s Smart Money Magazine recently named TPL the nation’s most efficient large conservation charity, based on the percentage of funds dedicated to programs.