Success! A "Run to Remember" to Keep Kids Alive

Tom, Sean, Shawn, Michael, Matthew and Mike Everson at the 

"America the Beautiful" monument on the summit of Pikes Peak. Katherine Lee Bates wrote the song "America the Beautiful" while on the summit of Pikes Peak in 1893. The Pikes Peak Ascent always begins with a rendition of this hymn to America. It is inspiring.

Just returned from Colorado and the "Run to Remember" as part of the 
Pikes Peak Ascent Trail Race - 13.32 grueling miles up a single-track trail with a 7,800 foot elevation change. It all peaks out at 14,115 feet above sea level at the summit.


6 Eversons - my 3 sons (no, not Rob, Chip and Ernie!), 2 of my brothers, and yours truly completed the race. We ran to remember 51 loved ones who have died in traffic incidents. Their family and friends commissioned us to carry the memory and spirit of the love they shared, and continue to share, with all who love them. We were honored to do so. 


The photos that follow tell just a small portion of the story (and I will add more photos as I receive them).

The "Run to Remember" Team just before 
our final training run on August 18th

The "Run to Remember" Team looking out from the summit of Pikes Peak at the beauty beyond, and at the trail they would run the next day. The "Memory Wall" of those we ran to remember appears on the back of our running shirts. Through the years, over 1,000 of these shirts have been distributed to family members of those we run to remember. On race day - August 20th this year - they wear these shirts in solidarity with us as we ascend Pikes Peak. All shirts are paid for through the generosity of our donors, who help to make the "Run to Remember" possible.

Michael Everson's (Age 21) shoe, on which he drew a wing and the initials of Erika Joy Rowan of Cozad, Nebraska.

Sean, Mike, Shawn, Matthew, Michael, and Tom Everson at the starting line the morning of the race - yes, it was early!

Jan Anstett with her Dad at a Detroit Tigers game on the day of the 

"Run to Remember." We ran to remember her daughter, Erika. Jan is wearing this year's "Run to Remember" shirt.

Mike Everson, the 1st of the Eversons to finishg the "Run to Remember." He's heading up the trail towards the summit, well above timblerline.

Sean Everson, age 19, stands on the 14,115 foot summit of Pikes Peak after a great first-time "Run to Remember." Sean's face reflects the effort involved in climbing 7,815 feet in elevation over the 13.32 mile course on a single-track trail (wide enough for one person).

If you would like to be involved in the 2012 edition of the "Run to Remember" the weekend of August 18-19 (as a runner on our team or to be present to support the team), please send an e-mail Tom@kkad25.org or give me a call at 402-334-1391. 


We are also looking for sponsors/donors for next year. Potential sponsors are welcome to contact me at the above e-address and phone #. Tax-deductible donations can be made throughout the year at KKAD25 Donate, or checks can be sent to:


Keep Kids Alive Drive 25
12418 C Street
Omaha, NE 68144


Your generous giving will always go towards keeping kids living. Thanks!


Tom Everson
Keep Kids Alive Drive 25
402-334-1391
www.KeepKidsAliveDrive25.org 

A Peak Experience - Run to Remember to Keep Kids Alive

A Peak Experience-Run to Remember

Our message is simple this week. Take time to remember all loved ones who die in traffic incidents each day. Their families appreciate every kind word, every fond memory shared, every supportive phone call or note, every anniversary, birthday, and special occasion remembered, and every prayer sent their way to breathe in when needed.

We remember these loved ones along with the following whose family and friends have asked that our "Run to Remember" team carry their names, love, and spirit with us up Pikes Peak in Colorado this Saturday, August 20^th. We are privileged to do so. Every name holds memories of love shared with family and friends – love that continues to this day.

KEEP KIDS ALIVE MEMORY WALL

 Maddison Hart, Age 5, Sikeston, MO


Erika Joy Rowan, Age 16, Cozad, NE


Emily Jasmine Ranyak, Age 18, Merritt Island, FL

Gabby Mair, Age 12, Deltona, FL

Andrew Brumback, Age 8, Westminster, CA


Brandon McPherson, Age 16, Weatherby Lake, MO


Myles McCarron, Age 16, Lunenburg, MA


Conor Lynch, Age 16, Van Nuys, CA


Anna Diffenderfer, Age 2, Perkiomenville, PA


Nikki Simonson, Age 5, Phoenix, AZ


Nicolas Riconosciuto, Age 5, Ormond Beach, FL


Stephen Loder, Age 5, Commerce Township, MI


Stephanie Loder, Age 8, Commerce Township, MI


Lisa Xavier, Age 6, Menlo Park, CA


Shannon Lloyd, Age 7, Omaha, NE


Landon Bos, Age 7, Norfolk, NE


Aaron David Sumner Brock, Age 7, Haughton, LA


Shannon Ventry, Age 7, Omaha, NE


Shaye Martin, Age 8, Doral, FL


Justin Faust, Age 9, Lees Summit, MO


Stephen Richard Schroder, Age 10, Fort Thomas, KY


Kyle Foster, Age 10, Mesquite, TX


Sierra Feaster, Age 10, Lanoka Harbor, NJ


Tia Townsend, Age 11, Shoreline, WA


Graeme Preston Age 12, Freehold NJ


Kevin Clawson, Age 13, Freehold, NJ


Melissa Tindell, Age 13, Panama City, FL


Tyler Tscheschlog, Age 14, Forest Hill, MD


Anthony Henry, Age 14, Yardville, NJ


Nicole King, Age 14, Katy, TX


Nick Peters, Age 15, Wahoo, NE


Kyle Clark, Age 16, Wahoo, NE


Anthony Rizzo, Age 16, New York, NY


Caleb Koke, Age 17, Austin, TX


Ashley Steffan, Age 17, Waukesha, WI


Ashley Smith, Age 17, Scotrun, PA


Cady Ann Reynolds, Age 17, Omaha, NE


Jacqueline G. Becker, Age 17, Cape May County, NJ


Christina M. Becker, 19, Cape May County, NJ


Kimberly Hoover, Age 18, Barberton, OH


Ian Taggart, Age 19, La Veta, CO


Nadia Chowdhury, Age 20, Naperville, IL


Erika Kelly Anstett, Age 20, Redford, MI


Natalie DeLeon, Age 21, Springfield, MA


Blake Goodman, Age 21, Wakefield, MA


Gia Marie Kakas, Age 21, Hamilton, NJ


Matt Schmill, Age 23, Omaha, NE


Robb Morast Jr, Age 25, Spring Branch, TX


James Davis, Age 29, White Bear Lake, MN


Holbrook Mann MacNeille, Age 66, Cleveland, OH


Mary Anne Nortrup, Age 67, Ottawa, IL




Should you be moved to make a difference in supporting the mission of Keep Kids Alive Drive 25 in honor of one or more of the ones we run to remember, or in honor of a loved one of your own, you can do so at “Run to Remember” today. Checks can be sent to:

Keep Kids Alive Drive 25

12418 C Street

Omaha, NE, 68144

All donations are tax deductible. Know that your generous giving goes to keep kids living.

Please remember what practicing safe driving habits is all about - “It’s About Kids! It’s About Safety! It’s About Caring! It’s About Time!®


In safety,
Tom Everson
Executive Director
Keep Kids Alive Drive 25® - A Non-Profit "For Action" Organization 501(c)(3)
402-334-1391
12418 C Street
Omaha, NE 68144
www.KeepKidsAliveDrive25.org

"Drive 25 Campaign" to Keep Kids Alive

The "Drive 25 Campaign" coincides with the 13th birthday of Keep Kids Alive Drive 25.

Over the past 13 years we have been privileged to work with over 1,300 communities representing 49 states in creating safer neighborhood streets for the benefit of all. Along the way, we have connected with many families who have adopted our mission in the wake of the death of a loved one due to a traffic incident. It is always a special privilege to partner with these families to bring greater good into the world in memory of their loved one. Keep Kids Alive Drive 25 is the only non-profit in the country that targets neighborhood traffic safety, as well as a host of other traffic safety concerns, along with support of families of victims of motor vehicle incidents.

With our mission in mind, we are working to build a funding base that will allow us to expand the reach and scope of our work in the years ahead. In doing so, we are presenting 3 opportunities for individuals to support our mission. These include:

• Becoming a monthly donor for $10.00 or more (each month) through the Network for Good Giving System. Our page can be found at KKAD25 Network for Good.  An option is to do this through a bank draft which can be set up at most banks to be sent out each month.
• Becoming a donor to support our annual "Run to Remember" team as part of the Pike's Peak Ascent Trail Race. This fundraiser supports the families of loved ones who have died in traffic incidents. This past August 20th was our 5th "Run to Remember." We worked to raise $7,800 - $1.00 for each foot of elevation change from the beginning of the race at 6,300 ft. altitude to the summit of Pike's Peak at 14, 115 ft. This year we ran to remember 51 loved ones representing 49 families from across the country. For more information and to make a donations, please visit "Run to Remember" We are now preparing for the 6th "Run to Remember" August 18, 2012
• If you are in position to do so, consider making a donation of $1,000.00 or more towards our mission. Our goal is at least 25 donors at this level in the year ahead. We welcome corporate donors/partners as well.

Donations can be made at anytime of year through our PayPal account at KKAD25 Donate. Checks can be sent to:

Keep Kids Alive Drive 25
12418 C Street
Omaha, NE 68144

For additional information, please visit our site at www.KeepKidsAliveDrive25.org. For a sense of what others have to say about us, Guidestar, a non-profit watchdog organization, posts reviews of Keep Kids Alive Drive 25, along with financial information, at GuideStar KKAD25

Please call or e-mail with any questions you may have. I welcome the opportunity to visit in person if you would like to do so.

Your consideration is greatly appreciated..
Your generous giving keeps kids living.
With gratitude,
Tom Everson
Executive Director
Keep Kids Alive Drive 25 - A Non-Profit "For Action" Organization 501(c)(3)
12418 C Street
Omaha, NE 68144
402-334-1391 Office www.KeepKidsAliveDrive25.org      

"America's Trash Talks to Keep Kids Alive"

 

"America's Trash Talks to 

Keep Kids Alive"

"America's Trash Talks to Keep Kids Alive" is the latest initiative from Keep Kids Alive Drive 25.

The premise is simple; to get the "Keep Kids Alive" message out on the side of every trash can in America - both curbside and in alleys.

We welcome you to partner – through your neighborhood/homeowners association, local trash hauler, business, school, faith community, or civic organization (or all of these organizations working together).

How?

Through use of Keep Kids Alive Drive 25®, Be Aware! Drive With Care®, No Need To Speed®, and Check Your Speed® decals. The goal is to decal every trash can on every neighborhood street and alleyway in America

Why?

To reduce motor vehicle deaths and injuries. It's that simple - get all citizens involved in sending out one or more of the "Keep Kids Alive" safety messages in order to create safer roadway environments for the benefit of pedestrians and cyclists of all ages, as well as motorists themselves. (The City of Oro Valley, AZ applied these decals to trash cans and saw average speeds plummet to 24.5 mph on residential streets - a 13% decrease.)

What is needed?

Partners - environmental waste companies, insurance companies, local businesses, schools, faith communities, and civic organizations to partner with Keep Kids Alive Drive 25 in implementing this goal in communities nationwide.

Local Trash Hauler in Escondido, CA affixed

Keep Kids Alive Drive 25® 

signs to their trucks, making them rolling billboards inviting all to slow down on residential streets.

What is the role of partners?

Examples include the following:

• Environmental waste companies that provide trash and recycling bins to municipalities and neighborhoods add one or more of the Keep Kids Alive messages via decals on the side of all trash/recycling bin.
• Insurance companies utilize agents to distribute decals to policyholders. These decals can integrate company logos into decals in order to recognize sponsorship
• Local businesses can sponsor decals and distribute through customer service, check out lanes, service counters, as well as through employees. Businesses can be recognized by integrating company logos into decals to recognize sponsorship
• Schools and civic organizations can distribute decals to families and members. Civic organizations can partner as local/regional/national sponsors as well

How can your business, school, civic organization get involved?

Get started today by ordering decals at “America’s Trash Talks”.  For more information, contact Keep Kids Alive Drive 25 at 402-334-1391 or kkad25@kkad25.org.

We look forward to partnering with you as "America's Trash Talks to Keep Kids Alive"