CONTACTS:
Kurt Bartley, Catholic Charities, (720) 377-1371 www.ccdenver.org
Donnie Beasey, Regis University, (303) 458-3537 www.regis.edu
BJ Iacino, Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, (303) 285-5223 www.coloradocoalition.org
CROSS-COUNTRY CYCLING EVENT SEEKS TO RAISE FUNDS TO COMBAT POVERTY IN COLORADO
Catholic Charities Samaritan House, Regis University and the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless Participate
WHAT :
Cycling for Change ( www.cyclingforchange.org) is a cross-country bicycle pilgrimage to raise awareness of increasing rates of poverty in the United States. More than 40 million people currently live below the poverty line; 13 million are children. Jesuit priest Matt Ruhl, who leads St. Xavier Church in Kansas City, Missouri began the 5,000-mile ride with 12 other riders on Memorial Day (May 31) from Cape Flattery, Washington and will finish in Key West, Florida on Labor Day (September 6). Along the way they will challenge communities to commit to reducing poverty by 50 percent, by the year 2020. Catholic Charities Samaritan House and the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless will benefit from local donations collected at each Cycling for Change event held in Denver. In addition to cash contributions, individuals may donate pre-packaged “Summer Survival Kits” for distribution to homeless individuals. These ziplock bags should include travel-sized portions of sunscreen, hand sanitizer, toothpaste, toothbrush, tissue, lip balm, new pair of socks and a packaged granola bar.
WHEN:
>Tuesday, July 6: Cycling for Change team departs from Fort Collins and rides to Denver, escorted by cyclists from the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless and other local cyclists.
>Tuesday July 6: Fr. Matthew Ruhl, S.J. speaks at the Regis University Chapel (6:30 pm to 7:30 pm) followed by a Wine & Cheese Reception. Regis University is Fr. Ruhl’s Alma Mater.
>Wednesday, July 7: Mass officiated by Fr. Ruhl at Samaritan House (8:00 am).
>Wednesday, July 7: Pancake Breakfast at Samaritan House (9:00 am to 11:00am) serving 400 homeless citizens, with the cycling teams, volunteers and local celebrities.
ABOUT US:
As the charitable arm of the Archdiocese of Denver, and inspired by God’s love and compassion, Catholic Charities extends the healing ministry of Jesus Christ to the poor and those in need. Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Denver serves nearly 100,000 people annually, at every stage of life, through over 40 ministries with compassion, healing, and hope. Our ministries alleviate suffering of those in crisis, preserve and protect the dignity and well-being of the poor and vulnerable, provide safety and permanency for children, and empower positive youth development.
Regis University is recognized by U. S. News & World Report as a Top School in the West and is one of 28 Catholic Jesuit colleges and universities throughout the United States. Regis University educates men and women of all ages to take leadership roles and to make a positive impact in a changing society. We seek to provide value-centered undergraduate and graduate education, as well as to strengthen commitment to community service. Consistent with Judeo-Christian principles, we apply knowledge to human needs and seek to preserve the best of the human heritage. We encourage the continual search for truth, values and a just existence. Throughout this process, we examine and attempt to answer the question: “How ought we to live?”
The mission of the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless is to work collaboratively toward the prevention of homelessness and the creation of lasting solutions for homeless and at-risk families, children, and individuals throughout Colorado. The Coalition advocates for and provides a continuum of housing and a variety of services to improve the health, well-being and stability of those it serves. Since its founding almost 25 years ago, the organization has earned state and national recognition for its integrated healthcare, housing and service programs. The Coalition’s comprehensive approach addresses the causes of homelessness, as well as the consequences, offering critical assistance to over 15,000 individuals and families each year.
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