PAUL ANDERSON BIKE RIDE HONORS WORLD’S STRONGEST MAN AND HIS HEARTBEAT FOR YOUTH
Teens from Paul Anderson Youth Home to Bike over 650 Miles through Florida and Georgia to Raise Support and Awareness, July 15-July 23
Vidalia, Ga. (May 2015) — From July 15-July 23, five current residents, alumni, and supporters of the Paul Anderson Youth Home will bike over 650 miles from Key West, Florida, to the home’s location in Vidalia to honor the home’s founder, Olympic legend and “World’s Strongest Man,” Paul Anderson. The 10th Annual Paul Anderson Bike Ride will honor Anderson’s historic ride from Vidalia to Omaha when he first launched the home in 1961. Chick-fil-A® founder Truett Cathy made the first donation to Anderson as he set out on his inaugural ride.
The group will bike through the Florida cities of Key West, Islamorada, Ft. Lauderdale, Stuart, Melbourne, New Smyrna Beach, and Ponte Vedra Beach; finish with Georgia stops in Brunswick and Vidalia; and raise awareness and support along the way. The Bike Ride seeks to spread the message of the transformative work the youth home does in troubled teens’ lives and its preventive work through counseling and resources for parents and families.
“For most of these boys, this is the toughest thing they will ever have to do,” said Drew Read, COO of the Paul Anderson Youth Home. “Each day, these boys begin to knock down barriers in their lives and realize they can achieve the unthinkable. This ride is truly life-changing for these boys.”
Supporters can contribute to “Give A Mile, Give A Day” by sponsoring one of the five young men participating. This year’s $175,000 fundraising goal equals 8 percent of PAYH’s annual income and is one of three annual fundraising events for the not-for-profit organization. Supporters can hear each boy’s story and donate at payhbikeride.com.
“Our desire every day is to see the boys reach their fullest potential in every aspect of their life,” said Read. “We know through our holistic approach that these young men will be the next great leaders in their families, workplace, and communities.”
Olympic Gold Medalist and World Champion Weightlifter Paul Anderson wowed audiences with the “Lift that Launched a Legacy” and his feats of strength. PAYH continues his legacy by using physical challenges and instilling work ethic into the boys’ everyday lives. The Bike Ride uses the same principles to transform the boys’ thinking while celebrating Anderson’s founding ride from Vidalia to Omaha in 1961.
Live blogs, stories, and videos by the team will be posted along the way, and speaking engagements have been planned at various locations. Interviews with leadership, graduates, and participants are available before and during the Bike Ride. Follow the journey, meet the boys participating in August, learn about sponsoring a rider, or join them on the bike ride at payhbikeride.com, Facebook, and Twitter.
About Paul Anderson Youth Home
Since 1961, the Paul Anderson Youth Home provides a sanctuary for troubled young men ages 16-20. Founded as an alternative to juvenile correctional facilities, the program helps young men overcome addiction and unhealthy lifestyle patterns by placing emphasis on physical work and play, rigorous academics, and restored relationships with God, their families, and society. Charity Navigator awarded the Paul Anderson Youth Home a 4-star rating for sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency, the home’s third 4-star rating in four years. The PAYH also equips families nationally to detect and respond to troubled behavior. To learn more about the PAYH and family resources, visit: payh.org.
Photo Caption: Youth and staff from the Paul Anderson Youth Home will tackle a 550-mile bike ride across the Georgia to raise funds and awareness of youth issues (www.payhbikeride.com).
View printable version: Paul Anderson Bike Ride 2015 Press Release
