Stride and Ride 2002 slated for April 21 (04/14/02)

Stride and Ride 2002 slated for April 21

by Olenka Terleckyj

NEW YORK - Stride and Ride to Build, the second walk/bike-athon for The Ukrainian Museum in New York will take place on Sunday, April 21. All proceeds from this benefit will go directly to the museum's Building Fund.

The second Stride and Ride was originally scheduled for September of last year, but was called off because of the September 11 tragedy. The April 21 event will again be held in Ringwood State Park in Northern New Jersey. The scenic park is easily accessible from the tri-state area (approximately one hour from New York City), and is located several miles from the town of Ringwood, N.J.

With support from around the globe, the first Stride and Ride 2000 raised well over $30,000 for The Ukrainian Museum. This year's fund-raising effort is even more crucial because, as everyone knows, the new home for The Ukrainian Museum is in the process of being built at 222 E. Sixth St. in New York City.

Stride and Ride 2002 is designed for the entire family. It features an easy three-mile family fun hike through the attractive grounds of Ringwood Estate. The route consists of paved and dirt roads and crosses a mowed grass field. Participants of all ages are welcome to attend. Child carriers, strollers with larger wheels or wagons are recommended for those wishing to take their toddlers along. The Children's Ride is a one-mile bicycle ride on a paved path. All children must have helmets and must be accompanied by an adult.

The bike-a-thon phase of the fund-raiser is better suited for participants looking for a greater challenge. Mountain bikers can look forward to a seven-mile route of moderate difficulty through the trails of Ringwood State Park. The route includes climbs, rocky downhills and some single track. The ride will be guided by experienced riders. Participants must be at least 14 years of age, have some mountain biking experience, their own mountain bike, related equipment and water. Bike helmets are mandatory; riders will not be permitted to ride without them.

After completion of the designated routes all participants will come together for a picnic to celebrate their accomplishments. Everyone is invited to show support and cheer the participants. The picnic will include great food, volleyball, games, balloons, prizes and live entertainment by Uncle Ronnie and his Barabolya show. Admission to the picnic is free to all participants and $50 sponsors. Non-participants of all ages are welcome to join the picnic and entertainment (suggested donation: $50 per family).

The event's fund-raising goal is to have every individual participant raise $150 and every family raise $250. In return, participants will receive Stride and Ride T-shirts generously sponsored by Self Reliance (NY) Federal Credit Union, New York. This goal is very attainable, 15 pledges of $10 each quickly add up to $150. Participants are encouraged to ask everyone for sponsorships: friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, business associates as well as out-of-towners.

The planning committee consists of five motivated women with a love for the outdoors and an appreciation for the Ukrainian culture. In combining these interests they organized the Stride and Ride to Build. Their mission is not only to raise money for the museum, but also to raise awareness of the existence and importance of this institution for the Ukrainian community as well as the American public.

The Ukrainian Museum, a public institution with a charter from the state of New York, was founded in 1976 by the Ukrainian National Women's League of America to collect, preserve and display objects of artistic or historic merit that relate to Ukrainian life and culture. Over the years it has become a resource for all to broaden their knowledge of Ukrainian culture and its centuries-old history. It conducts educational programs in Ukrainian folk art in the form of regularly scheduled courses and workshops for adults and children. Lectures, concerts and films are also part of the museum's programming.

The museum is currently housed in a small building in downtown Manhattan but its ever-growing collections and expanded programs demand more space. Now that the construction of the new facility has begun, everyone's contribution to this effort is vital. The Stride and Ride 2002 offers a great opportunity for everyone in our community to participate in this unprecedented building project.

For more information visit the website www.ukrainianmuseum.org, e-mail [email protected], or phone Olenka Terleckyj at (973) 771-1156.

| Home Page |