Race Across America

Jun 12, 2010

* Letter from Tim and Kristina Ripatti Pearce



The Celebration of  10 Years of  Operation Progress 

Operation Progress (OP) is a non-profit foundation established by LAPD Southeast Division Gang officers 10 years ago to help good kids get out of bad places.  OP wants to reward students who have stayed out of gangs while living in gang-infested, disadvantaged neighborhoods. OP gives students the opportunity to attend college where they lack the resources. Operation Progress provides chosen students with mentoring, support, and educational scholarships.

The Goal

  Operation Progress’s 2010 goal is to raise $250,000, so it can provide more educational scholarships to scholastically motivated kids living in terrible situations and inspire these students to reach their full, untapped potential.

The Mission
  Operation Progress has entered the world’s toughest, international bicycle race, “Race Across America” (RAAM); a non-stop, 24-hours a day, continuous trans-continental race. Former LAPD Police Officer Kristina Ripatti, who was shot in the line of duty and consequently paralyzed, will be the Team Captain using a hand-cycle and riding with her team members in this 3000 mile-relay race through 14 states. The race will start in Oceanside, California, June 12, 2010, and will finish in Annapolis, Maryland. (3000 miles) in 216 hours or nine days. The Team consists of four cyclists: Kristina Ripatti (Team Captain); world class Ultra-endurance cyclist Russ Loomis, Nancy Guth, and Mark Burson as Team Leader

The Opportunity

We need you, your friends, your co-workers, and family members to be part of our Operation Progress Team.  You can participate in this premier, ultra cycling event by volunteering to be a member of the support crew, help raise money for the race effort, provide supplies and equipment, and/or donating to the cause.  We need your help for this worthy endeavor.

The Source for More Information

   To inquire or offer help please contact:
Mark Burson
mark.burson@bm.com
805.390.1767
www.raceacrossamerica.org


Donate to the team online through Operation Progress at:  www.operationprogress.org