Dear friends and family;
On April 20th, I will be riding my bike to Sacramento with hundreds of other parents, teachers and middle & high school students to raise money and public awareness for Oakland public and Alameda public schools. Several of my friends are teachers or counselors, and I am constantly aware that their work and public education in general is underappreciated.
I will be riding 109 miles, starting in Oakland, CA. Some riders, including me, will be starting in Oakland and riding the whole 109 miles to the steps of the Capitol. Others will be starting in Fairfield or Vacaville and riding distances of 68 miles or 45 miles to Sacramento. We've been training together since January. Our course winds through farm lands, the bike mecca of Davis, and the causeway to Sacramento.
This 16th Annual Ride for A Reason raises awareness for underfunded California public schools and specifically raises essential funds for critical programs at 12 public schools in Oakland and Alameda. More than half of the kids at these schools are low income and qualify for free or reduced price lunch, and at five of the schools, 90% of the kids are. The funds raised support basic programs such as school libraries, art, music and sports, enrichment activities such as field trips and after school programs, and even ordinary school supplies needed by teachers.
I need your help to reach my goal of raising $500 for Oakland kids. The pandemic dramatically highlighted the central role that schools play in providing education and social support for our children. Our public schools remain significantly underfunded. More than ever we feel that R4R’s support is essential for filling gaps, building community involvement, and supporting all of Oakland’s kids. Your donation is fully tax deductible through Claremont PTA tax ID number 94-6171801. The money you donate makes a significant difference by keeping kids engaged in and excited about going to school.
Thanks so much for giving Oakland and Alameda kids a boost!
Jason Waddle
