Tour de Scottsdale

Steve Tepper loves to cycle, ever since he was a youth, in fact.

“I love the feeling of freedom you get when on a bike, but also the immense challenge of racking up the miles and trying to go further than you thought possible,” Tepper said.

Dave DeCero (l), Marc Blonstein (m) & Steve Tepper

It’s a reason why he is a part of Tour de Scottsdale as a nonprofit and a rider. He’s the Executive Director of the Arizona Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired. He thought it was a “no brainer” to be part of a great ride on so many levels.

“It’s about joining the Tour and helping to raise money for two causes important to me: The McDowell Sonoran Conservancy and Arizona Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired.”

Adding, “I am a big believer every person has an opportunity to make a difference.  So, while my contributions and the contributions of those who support me in these efforts might be relatively small, you never know which dollar will profoundly affect someone’s life and/or change an outcome.”

That’s the goal and has always been the goal – to help people.

So here he is with a team – maybe two to five cyclists and he’s still recruiting – riding in the event on April 13.

“The cycling community is incredibly inclusive and so while I am riding with a few friends, I am also hopeful to meet some new people, have an outstanding day, and raise money for two causes I care deeply about,” he said.

Tepper said the Arizona Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired serves approximately 300 clients a year who lose their vision due to accident or illness.

Steve Tepper

According to its website, ACBVI has been empowering people with vision loss since 1947. Their highly skilled and experienced multi-disciplinary team of professionals offer individualized training utilizing state-of-the-art technologies and proven rehabilitation practices. 

ACBVI assists clients in coping with vision loss – with courage and dignity and a “Can-do attitude.”

“The majority of our clients are food insecure, and many are either at risk of homelessness or coming out of homelessness,” he said. “It is an honor to raise money to help them in their fight for independence and a return to work.

To help ACBVI on the ride or to register to ride for them, visit ACBVI (runsignup.com)