[TSteven]

(Pi Kappa Phi - The University of Kentucky)

UK student pedals to Florida for charity
By James Goatley
Published: Tuesday, April 19, 2005
Kernel Press

Two members of Pi Kappa Phi will travel this summer to participate in programs that will help benefit the lives of disabled people.

The undergraduate and alumni members of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity have a chance to participate in events for their own national philanthropy, "Push America."

Pi Kappa Phi is the only national college fraternity to create and maintain its own national philanthropy.

On May 12, Andrew Schuette, a communications disorder sophomore and a member of the fraternity, along with 35 other Pi Kappa Phi members from various universities, will cycle through Florida to raise awareness for disabled individuals on a two-week 800-mile cycling trip.

Nick Blair, a kinesiology and health promotions senior and fellow Eta Tau chapter member, will travel across the country to six cities beginning June 30 to assist in building summer camps for individuals with disabilities.

Schuette is participating in "Gear Up Florida," an event that raises money and awareness for people faced with disabilities. Each individual that participates in the bicycling trip will raise $1,800.

The program is limited to 40 cyclists each year.

During the journey through Florida, the cyclist will have an hour and a half with the children in each city. They will join the children for a meal and interact with them for a while.

"I made a goal for myself - that I would do every "Push America" program offered to me," said Schuette.

The time and effort that Schuette puts into working with disabled children is a mutual benefit.

"This trip is going to provide me with more of an understanding for people with disabilities," said Schuette. "I will have the opportunity to build the quick relationship instead of having more time like it was at the camps during 'Build America.' "

"Build America" is a six-week program that takes place during the summer where members of Pi Kappa Phi, including Blair, spend their breaks constructing facilities at six camps that serve disabled individuals across the country, raising $3,500.

Over the course of their trip, the crew will assemble accessible fishing piers, nature trails, climbing walls and picnic tables.

"I enjoy more hands-on types of activities and working with the kids," said Blair.

The summer service opportunity also provides team members the opportunity to interact with the campers personally every day.

Working with the children has provided Blair with more than just service hours; he has a true passion for working with the disabled.

"The kids grab your heart, and they don't even know it when you work with them," said Blair.

Blair has discovered his career of choice in working with "Push America." He will graduate from UK next year and plans to go to graduate school to receive a degree in occupational therapy.

"It is a way for me to pay back 'Push' (America) for all it has given to me, Blair said.

"Nothing makes me happier than to work with them."

"I have found something that has changed my life," said Schuette.

~Gear Up Florida

For more information or to contribute, contact Nick Blair at pkphurleyht@yahoo.com