The CI Move-A-Thon was a magnificent celebration of movement and a ceremony to honor CI’s triumphant work. We are happy to report that we raised just over $44,000 to support our students and programs, which we couldn’t have achieved without the generous and amazing We Ride 4 community!
To kick off the evening, Curriculum Manager, Chelsea Tossing, warmly welcomed supporters of CI from all over the country. Move-A-Thon attendees impressed with their Jazzercise knowledge during trivia, their camaraderie in supporting prize winners, and their incredible generosity.
As the second annual Move-A-Thon, our theme was Moved by CI. Everyone in attendance blew us away with their unrelenting support. Our fabulous Board Member, Annie Peuquet, introduced just how CI is moving students: inspiring them and bridging gaps in accessibility to guide students on their leadership journeys.
We celebrated the phenomenal partnership with Sharon Madison and all the folks at We Ride 4. This extraordinary group raised an unbelievable amount of money, demonstrating an outstanding dedication to the future of our environment through the inspiration of our Coloradan youth. We Ride 4, the Golden Helmet Award recipient, not only hosted an awesome viewing party from Gunnison, CO during their ride, but throughout the month they raised more than $10,000 before the event even started! This astounding contribution to CI’s mission is truly breathtaking and served as inspiration throughout this charitable and fun-filled night!
We cheered for the Strongest Strider: Christine Rodriguez, Relentless Rider: Roger Kennedy, Almost Amphibious: Tricia Miller, Most Active Mover: Karyn Carr, and Most Unique Mover: Christina DeJoseph. Gregg Bergen received applause as our Biggest Individual Fundraiser. We heard from Valerie Grant of Alliance Bernstein about their fantastic partnership with CI. CI alum Tess Eckert filled our hearts by exemplifying the power of CI’s programs. Eckert reflected on cherished CI memories and shed light on how they incorporate art and environmental education in their work today.
The legendary Andy Seth took the golden microphone and hosted the live auction. With coveted prizes including a stay in Costa Rica and a biking trip in Tucson, the bidding was competitive and raised crucial funds for CI’s students. The auction was energizing and a spectacular display of generosity; as Grace Randazzo put it, “I think this is the coolest group of people I’ve ever been in a Zoom with.”
Eckert left us with a quote from Chief Seattle, “Humankind has not woven the web of life, we are but one thread within it, whatever we do to the web we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect.” The CI second annual Move-A-Thon was a true demonstration of our interwoven celebration of a hopeful future.
Written by CI Field Instructor Christina DeJoseph
