This summer is going to be intense.
My name is Cassie Holtz and I just accepted a position as a leader for the Southern U.S. Bike and Build Summer 2010 route. I am so PUMPED! and NERVOUS! and completely EXCITED!
A little about me: well.... I'm crazy and random and ridiculous. I grew up in WI and went to UW-La Crosse for a few years before spending some time traveling. I took a year off of school to serve with AmeriCorps NCCC, and now, I am finishing my undergraduate degree at the University of North Texas.
I have done a lot of crazy things in my life, but Bike and Build may top them all--and I couldn't be more excited!!! Affordable housing is a true passion of mine and I believe everyone deserves to have a roof over their head and a warm place to sleep. I love to be out on a construction site and I love a good challenge. My trip this summer will take me to various cities across the U.S. and I will get to see the nation from a whole new perspective. I am looking forward most to biking through Biloxi (I lived there last year with AmeriCorps NCCC!!), New Orleans, Dallas (current place I live!!), Santa Fe, the Grand Canyon!!, Lake Tahoe, Napa and finally, San Francisco!!!
A little more about Bike and Build:
Bike & Build raises funds for affordable housing projects.
- Over seven seasons, Bike & Build has contributed $2,305,345 to housing groups to fund projects planned and executed by young adults; this includes $662,200 donated from the summer of 2009 (more than $163,000 more than 2008).
- Through pre-arranged gifts, Bike & Build funds affordable housing projects executed by our participants in communities where our events begin. Through our grant program, our organization identifies and supports exciting projects involving young people all throughout the nation. Bike & Build also supports local affordable housing organizations along each route through on the road donations.
Bike & Build garners media and community attention for the affordable housing cause.
- Bike & Build's expansive national footprint allows our organization to promote the need for and importance of affordable housing in 47 states, 1 province, and hundreds of communities nationwide.
- Through print, TV media, radio, town-hall style meetings, and informal grassroots interaction, Bike & Build participants bring our organization's message to thousands of people from all walks of life.
Bike & Build fosters leadership and lifelong philanthropic service in our participants.
- Bike & Build's programming introduces young adults to the affordable housing cause, engages them in a unique and interesting way, and creates a prolonged and intimate connection.
- By funding building projects involving students and young adults, Bike & Build creates incremental service opportunities among young adults, empowering this crucial demographic.
I suppose I am most nervous about the fundraising (yikes!) and the training (another yikes!) BUT both are challenges I could not be more excited to take on! I am going to see a personal trainer on Monday, and hopefully s/he will get me on a great training schedule!!!
wish me luck! more to come soon!
