"The Virtual Center for Independent Living for West Virginia""The Virtual Center for Independent Living for West Virginia"Home > Socializing > Push America - 2007 > Push America - Huntington
It was another great day with PUSH American at Mountain State Centers for Independent Living in Huntington.
And thanks again to Cathy Hutchinson for coordinating the PUSH America visit to Huntington. We don't know if she arranged the weather too, but the break in the heat and humidity after a slight rain was perfectly timed, making the visit in the park quite comfortable.
It is always interesting to hear what schools the guys attend. This year, the West Coast to the East Coast was represented. From Washington State University to the University of Colorado-Boulder to Iowa State, Texas Christian, Miami University of Ohio, to Virginia Tech and Queens University in Charlotte, NC.
Famous Dave's catered the picnic dinner at Ritter Park in Huntington. They served bbq pork sandwiches, bbq chicken and all the fixin's to go with it!
The PUSH cyclists had a great time visiting with MTSTCIL staff, consumers and other guests.
We enjoyed listening to the bikers talk about their trip, the tales of the ride and all the places they've been able to see riding bikes across the country. In talking with Marc Saint Raymond from VA Tech, he expressed his enthusiasm about the trip, but especially the opportunity to get together with groups like ours. He said visiting and meeting new people make all the grueling miles worth it!
One thing we learned was there was an accident and four of the riders were hit by a van driven by a drunk driver after they left Colorado. Three of them have been able to return to riding, but one's injuries were severe enough that he has joined the support team driving the vans. Two of the bicycles were destroyed, but KRG Capital Partners, LLC., the sponsor of the Journey of Hope purchased new bikes, which cost around $4,000 each. One of them said his bike is worth more than his car!
Every year we get to meet a great group of guys. We are always impressed by their poise, maturity and friendliness. They are always interested in meeting consumers and finding out what the consumers are doing, their interests, goals, and how they came to be at MTSTCIL. We are pleased Huntington is on their route and we hope to be their host on their first stop in West Virginia for years to come.
After the traditional group photo was taken, Steve Sollner made Cathy Hutchinson an honorary member of the PUSH Team and presented her with a PUSH t-shirt. To end the day, PUSH Logistics Coordinator Steve Sollner presented Cathy Hutchinson of MTSTCIL Huntington with a check for $750 to be used to supplement MTSTCIL programs.
For more information on the Journey of Hope 2007 and Push America, please visit them at: www.pushamerica.org.
