Walk/bike-a-thon to benefit museum (09/02/01)

Walk/bike-a-thon to benefit museum

NEW YORK - A truly special event dubbed "Stride and Ride to Build" will take place on September 23. The event is a walk-a-thon/bike-a-thon intended to raise money for The Ukrainian Museum in New York City; all proceeds from this benefit will go to the museum's building fund.

With support from around the globe, last year's Stride and Ride 2000 raised over $30,000 for The Ukrainian Museum. This year's event is even more crucial, as everyone has an unprecedented opportunity to double, even quadruple (with company matching programs), their donations through a challenge grant that is part of a generous donation from Eugene and Daymel Shklar matching dollar for dollar any donation the museum receives in 2001.

The Stride and Ride to Build is designed for the entire family; the fund-raiser will feature an easy three-mile family fun hike through the scenic grounds of the Ringwood Estate in New Jersey.

The route consists of paved and dirt roads, and crosses a mowed grass field. Participants of all ages are welcome. Child carriers, strollers with larger wheels, or wagons are recommended for those wishing to bring their toddlers along. The bike-a-thon phase of the fund-raiser is better suited for participants looking for a bigger challenge. The mountain bike route will consist of a seven-mile tour of moderate difficulty through the trails of Ringwood State Park. The route will include climbs, rocky downhills and some single track, and will be guided by experienced riders. Bike participants must be at least 14 years old and 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 designated routes, all participants will join in a picnic to celebrate their accomplishment. The general public is also invited to show their support and cheer the participants. The picnic will include food, volleyball, face-painting, prizes and a special visit from Ron Cahute and Pan Barabolya. Admission to the picnic is free to all participants and $50 sponsors. The general public will be asked for a donation of $50.

The Ukrainian Museum strongly encourages the entire community to come together and participate. The 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. Participants are encouraged to ask everyone for sponsorships: friends, family, neighbors, co-workers and business associates, as well as out-of-towners.

The Ukrainian television network Kontakt is providing coverage for the event and will air details of the upcoming Stride and Ride. Everyone can visit the website at www.infoukes.com/kontakt/ to see highlights of last year's event, updates and coverage of Stride and Ride 2001.

A motivated group of 10 women with a love for the outdoors and an appreciation for the Ukrainian culture is responsible for organizing the walk-a-thon/bike-a-thon. The mission is not only to raise money for The Ukrainian Museum but to also raise an awareness of the existence and importance of the museum for our entire Ukrainian community as well as the American public.

The Ukrainian Museum in New York City was founded 25 years ago to collect, preserve and display objects of artistic or historic merit which relate to Ukrainian life and culture. 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. However, its ever-growing collections and expanded programs demand more space. Therefore, the museum has committed to start construction on a new building this fall as soon as the city approves its building permit.

For more information visit the website www.ukrainianmuseum.com, e-mail odulakfamily@aol.com or phone Olenka Terleckyj, (973) 771-1156.

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