Link: http://www.projectjason.org/forums/index.php?topic=2.120
A Project Jason Brief:
In 1995, a group of 7 men rode their bicycles from Utica, New York to Washington, D.C. in order to raise awareness about the plight of missing children and to bring a message of safety to the people they met along the way. They arrived on the steps of the Capitol on May 25th, the first National Missing Children’s Day. Two years later, inspired by that first Ride, a group of 43 riders rode their bicycles 100 miles from Albany to Utica NY with the same message of safety and awareness.
There are three purposes to “The Ride”, which takes place on May 16, 2008:
To honor the memory of all missing children,
To increase public awareness of the plight of all missing and exploited children and the need for child safety education, and
To raise funds to support the missing children poster distribution and mission of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children – New York/Mohawk Valley (NCMEC-NY/Mohawk Valley).
This year marks eleven years for the Ride for Missing Children. The 43 riders have grown to an astonishing 400! The unified team of bicyclists, riding 2 x 2 for 100-miles, is escorted by the New York State Police and local law enforcement of the jurisdictions along the route. The Ride stops at schools along the way for educational Rest Stops, and “Ride-By” other schools throughout the day. At each school visited, riders and volunteers bring the message of child safety and abduction prevention.
The parents of missing Omaha, NE teen Jason Jolkowski, and founders of nonprofit organization Project Jason, Jim and Kelly Jolkowski, will be participants for a 3rd year. Jim will be riding, and Kelly will speak at both the opening and closing ceremonies. The Jolkowskis will be among several family members of missing persons, including Doug and Mary Lyall, parents of missing Suzanne Lyall, and Shirlette Green, mother of missing Ivory Green.
For additional information about the Ride for Missing Children, please see http://www.rideformissingchildren.com/index.html
For more information about Project Jason, please visit http://www.projectjason.org/
