Getting Started

Hey All!

I set up this blog so you can keep track of me over the next year as I fundraise, train, and eventually ride my bike cross-country from Charleston, SC to Santa Cruz, CA. I will be riding with a group called Bike & Build (www.bikeandbuild.org). Bike and build is an organization that raises money to fund projects planned and executed by young adults. They have raised over 2.3 million dollars in the past seven seasons to help out with the affordable housing cause.

From May 26^th to August 14^th, I will be biking 4,131 miles with about 30 other people. My group will be stopping along the way to help build houses for affordable housing groups and to raise awareness about the affordable housing issue. We also get to spend 9 days in Colorado Springs, where we will build an entire house on top of the foundation laid the week before by the North Carolina to San Diego route.

Every rider on this trip needs to raise at least $4000, which gets donated to Bike & Build and is subsequently distributed to affordable housing organizations. Donations can be made through the Bike and Build website by clicking on my name in the dropdown menu, Jillian Zingale. All donations are tax deductible, and anything anybody can offer will help me out. I can also use your help and support in raising awareness for this cause, and by donating flyers, business cards.

My first fundraiser will be in December. I am still working to finalize the date, but I'm planning on selling some hats that I made. Donations of yarn would be appreciated, and I'll keep you updated on where it is and how it turns out! Thanks in advance for all of your help and support!