In an effort to raise awareness and funds for programs that support children with special needs, 13 women from around the country have joined Investors Bank Bike 4 Friendship – a 1,500 – mile cycling trip from Seattle to Los Angeles.  The Investors Bank Bike-4-Friendship trip will begin at 10:30 a.m., Sunday June 29 from Friendship Circle of Washington Headquarters at 2737 77th Ave S.E., Mercer Island, Wash.

A party beginning at 9:30 a.m.,will help send the cyclists on their way and will incude Bruce Bassett, the mayor of Mercer Island.

During the four-week trek, the cyclists will bike approximately 65 miles each day along the west coast. On their route, they will make official stops in 20 cities to meet with members of the community and press to spread their message. They will also visit several Friendship Circle chapters along the way.

The group, ranging from ages 20-69, are seeking to enhance awareness and understanding of the unique gifts of those with special needs.  They are also asking everyone—friends, admirers and well-wishers alike—to make a donation in keeping with the theme of “Bike 4 Friendship.”

Investors Bank Bike 4 Friendship promotes the mission of Friendship Circle, an international organization which connects teenage volunteers with children, teens, and young adults with special needs to foster a sense of companionship and community. The program’s activities also build social, recreational, and educational skills – skills that cannot be attained through traditional therapies.  

To learn more and to follow the cyclists online, visit Bike4Friendship.org.

Friendship Circle International (FriendshipCircle.com) pairs teenage volunteers with children and teens with special needs with a goal of providing companionship and a welcome respite for families.  Children and teens with special needs and their families benefit from home visits, recreational group programming, life skills training, winter and summer camps and athletic opportunities. In addition, the Volunteer Club offers meaningful educational and social events for the teen mentors.