Fourteen and counting

The world is a lousy place. Wall Street creeps sell false investment vehicles and make millions, and poor kids go to bed hungry. Paris Hilton can inherit undeserved millions that could be better spent feeding and clothing the poor and local non-profits go begging for dollars from private citizens because some fat guy doesn't believe in requiring millionaires to pay their fair share of taxes. Homeless kids and animals go unfed and abused while the rich cavort in the Hamptons, Nantucket or the decks of yachts. Thankfully there are tons of dedicated social workers, counselers and volunteers who make it their business to help their community and the downtrodden within it.

For thirteen of the last fourteen years, I've ridden my bicycle to raise money for the homeless kids that depend on Anchor House, a shelter for runaway, homeless and abused kids in Trenton NJ. For the last 11 years, I've been a member of the planning committee for Anchor House's main fundraising vehicle - the Anchor House Ride for Runaways. Every year we pick a different starting location somewhere on the east coast and ride our bikes back to Trenton. Seven days, 70 miles each day; all to raise funds to keep the doors of Anchor House open. Check out the great work they do here at www.anchorhousenj.org.

On July 10th we'll take over 200 riders and support staff to Charlottesville Va. We'll pedal through Culpeper and Winchester VA, Frederick MD, Gettysburg, Lancaster and Kulpsville PA before we arrive back home in Pennington NJ on July 17th. We will ride our bikes, eat a lot, drink a few adult beverages, and all in all have a great time. Even as we are enjoying ourselves we all keep in mind the struggles and travails the kids at Anchor House go through each day. Check out our ride here at www.anchorhouseride.org.

Please support us in our endeavor. Select your favorite rider (like me), go to www.anchorhouseride.org, select the online donation tab, and enter my name (Brian McLaughlin) in the designation box. Thank you and tailwinds to all!