Hey there Friends and Family~

As many of you know, our public school system here in California is woefully underfunded.  Until fundamental shifts are made in how We the People and the governments that represent and serve us are made, we must crowdsource to fill those funding gaps so that all young people have the opportunity to learn and grow and flourish in our public school system.  

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” - Nelson Mandela

Public education is a foundational pillar in societies the world over.  Our young scholars here in the Bay Area deserve better.  Until our elected leaders have the courage, the will, and the imagination needed to prioritize creating a world-class public education system, it's up to We the People to do the work - especially in this present moment when institutions are being reshaped and dismantled at the federal level.

"Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today." - Malcolm X

My two sons are currently enrolled at Emerson Elementary School in Oakland's Temescal District - a beneficiary of Ride for a Reason.  The funding boost our PTA gets from this amazing fundraiser goes to support our garden program, arts education, and teacher mini grants.  The funding boost that Ride for a Reason provides our school site makes profoundly tangible and real positive impacts on all scholars and staff at our school site.  That this fundraiser doles out this much appreciated funding to 11 other school sites and organizations in Oakland and Alameda is a blessing.

“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. … Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education.” — Martin Luther King Jr.

I'm participating in this ride, helping on the steering committee, and doing what I can to make this year's event a success.  Please - if you're in the financial position to make a contribution - I'm humbly asking for your generosity.  Consider your contribution an investment in our collective future.

If you're unable to give money but you'd like to support, you can also give your time.

Thanks so much for your support.

Take care and be well~

With love,

Edward