2007-05-11 16:34:32 -
NEW YORK, May 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On Wednesday, May 16th Robert Diener, a 41-year-old German police officer will embark on a 2,700-mile cross- country bicycle ride from Pueblo, Colorado to Ground Zero in New York City to raise awareness and money for Tuesday's Children, a non-profit organization that provides a wide range of innovative programs and services to more than 5,000 family members who lost a loved one on September 11th.
In 2002 while working as a law enforcement officer in Berlin, Mr. Diener met children whose fathers or mothers
were killed on 9/11. After seeing the depth of the loss they suffered, he made a commitment to find a way to help. He said, "When I saw the faces of the children and the sadness in their eyes, I was emotionally moved. I said, 'I want to be a part of this. I want to help these children.'"
After doing some research, Mr. Diener discovered Tuesday's Children. He decided to ride his bicycle across America to raise awareness about the organization, so that every 9/11 family would know where to turn for support.
Terry Sears, Executive Director of Tuesday's Children said, "Mr. Diener is one of a kind. We wish him Godspeed as he sets out on his journey and we plan to welcome him with a hero's homecoming in the Big Apple in mid-July."
Now on sabbatical from his post at the State Criminal Office, Mr. Diener came to Boulder in April 2007 and began training for his arduous cross-country trek with 74-year-old Boulder resident and member of the Seniors On Bikes, Charlie Meredith.
Traveling alone through Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Virginia, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Mr. Diener will be equipped with only his touring bike, tent, camping mattress, sleeping-bag, and a cell phone. His two-month-long odyssey will end at the World Trade Center site in mid-July.
For a full itinerary, or to check on Mr. Diener's progress go to: http://www.gofor911kids.com/
Mr. Diener is personally covering the costs for this fundraising effort. One hundred percent of all donations will go directly to Tuesday's Children, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Contributions can be made through the organization's website: http://www.tuesdayschildren.org/ or by mailing a check to:
Tuesday's Children
469 7th Avenue, 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10018
Source: Tuesday's Children
