Epilogue

Although it wasn't that long ago, it seems like it has been forever since Charley and I took off on our 10 week-10,000 mile journey across the U.S.A. and Mexico.  Our goal was to experience America, learn about its people and provide publicity and financial assistance to childrens' charities.  We gave to charities that were not well known, that had smaller budgets, and did not rely heavily on government support.

Preferring anonymous philanthropy, I tried a different approach this time.  I realized there was an opportunity to create public awareness for these charities by alerting television and newspaper media to a unique human interest story that would take place in their own backyard.  We made donations to 21 childrens' charities and utilized the media to challenge local residents to give back to their community.  The plan worked and close to $1 million was raised on the Travels With Charley tour.

There are so many moving stories to tell; I can't do them justice with a few short sentences here.  However, I think there are some overall lessons that I learned. The country is not so big as it seems and people are connected across this great land by a common desire, in their heart of hearts, to love and be loved and to give when and where they can.  If nothing else, I hope this tour has inspired some to act upon that innate desire to help others.  And although these organizations desperately need money, they also need peoples' time and talents.  It is so meaningful to look into souls of those who are less fortunate.  I also learned that traveling with a 7 month old puppy requires a lot of work, patience, and sacrifice.  All meaningful relationships do.  And finally I learned that the real heroes out there are the people who give so unselfishly of themselves in the service of others.  I found these people in every kids' non-profit that I visited.  To Craig, Renie, Rick, Danita, Sister Diane, Betty and all the others that give tirelessly of themselves to run these organizations...my hat is off to you...you are my heroes.

Reflections

As Charley and I drove to St. Louis in the rain on the last 100 miles of our 10,000 mile trip it dawned on me that I had not seen rain but once since I left the same city 11 weeks ago on June 29th. I was reminded of someone's wise words I once read. "I will love the sun for it gives me warmth, yet I will love the rain for it cleanses my spirit". A fitting thought as we traveled those last few miles. Certainly, through all the miles and all the weeks, all the kids and all the staff that serve them, all the experiences that I watched a 7 month old puppy encounter for the first time, all the things that I had witnessed, through all the laughter and all the tears, from the mighty Redwoods of California to the baseball diamonds of inner city Richmond, VA, from the Oglala Sioux and their always present daughter SuAnne Big Crow, to all those brave souls in Ensanada Mexico, my spirit has been cleansed. To all of you whose paths I've crossed in the 21 organizations I've visited; it is not I who have given, it is you who have given to me and enriched my life in a way I can never repay. Thank you and God Bless, John and Charley


Week of Sept. 7

Thursday
Charley and I walked into the Boys and Girls Club in Cape Girardeau, Mo. We made donations to the B & G Club as well as Big Brothers and Big Sisters. Both do a great job with kids in Cape and I was honored to be able to give to these two fine organizations based in the town in which I grew up. On Friday Charley and I drove the last leg of our 10,000 mile journey in the rain to St. Louis. We arrived at Lift For Life Gym and made donations to this outstanding training program for inner-city kids. We also made a donation to The Foundation For Kids With Cancer. They make a crucial and lasting impact in the lives of the kids and the families who struggle with this life-threatening illness. We also made a challenge to the residents of both Cape and St. Louis and will match, up to a certain amount, what is contributed to these 4 organizations over the next 4 weeks.


Week of August 31st

Friday
Drove through the Smoky Mountains and arrived in Nashville, TN on Thursday evening. Met with Chris Barnhill who is the director of YES while Charley played with the kids. They wore him out before it was time to leave. We decided to make a donation to this very worthy organization on Friday morning. Stayed with cousins Therese and Bud. Their Shelties were afraid of Charley who, at 65 pounds and 8 months old, has added 18 pounds in size and 10 weeks in age since we left St. Louis on June 29th. He has no clue how others could find him the least bit intimidating. In his own eyes he's just a happy, carefree, tail-wagging boy who likes to slobber on people and chase tennis balls. "So what's up with these Shelties?" he seemed to want to know. I just shrugged. Charley and I presented a check to YES at 10:30 Fri. morning and spoke with reporters before heading off to Memphis. We arrived at the Hope House in Memphis at 2:30 p.m. and made a donation. This organization provides care for children age 6 weeks thru 6 years who are affected by HIV and AIDS. Betty and her staff at Hope House do an outstanding job for these fragile and innocent victims of the AIDS epidemic who, at such a young age, are not even remotely aware that a devastating disease threatens their lives and futures. It's sad.


Tuesday
Arrived in Richmond last Thursday afternoon and went to dinner with Marc Cram and his fiance while Charley played with their two basset hounds. Marc has one of those unbelievably cool last names that, if spelled backwards, actually spells his first name. Hmmmm. Visited Metropolitan Junior Baseball League on Friday and made a donation. We also did a challenge match that was covered on local television and in newspaper. These guys positively impact 700 inner city kids on a small budget and are very passionate about their work. Left for Raleigh Durham Friday afternoon where we had a great Labor Day weekend with Charley's favorite human (besides his daddy). Leaving for the Appalachians this morning.


Week of August 24th

Sunday
Charley and I left Chicago on Sat. after stopping one more time at Cabrini-Green. The kids were crazy about Charley and took turns leading him around. Before it was time to leave he was sliding down the slide with the kids. Danita does a great job with these children most would classify as a lost cause; this one is definitely worth anyone's support. Sat. night in Toledo and then off to Rochester the next day. Got a ticket for traveling in the left lane which is only to be used for passing. Such is life. Arrived Rochester Sun. and visited Uncle John and Aunt Claire. Charley made two deposits on their living room carpet.

Monday
Visited Hope Hall which is a non-profit, non-denominational school designed for students with special learning needs who consistently fail in a traditional classroom. Met with the principal and founder and several staff members. They are passionate about teaching these "educationally stranded" kids and it shows. This is a great one! Visiting tomorrow to make a donation and a challenge match. Today, Charley had a good deal more respect for Aunt Claire's carpet.

Thursday
Made a donation Tuesday at Hope Hall in Rochester, NY. Local newspaper and television affiliates were there to cover the event which gave Hope Hall the opportunity to tell their story and also gave us the chance to make public the challenge match. Stayed in Rochester Tues. night and further discussed the challenge on a Rochester radio program Wed. morning. Off to the New York State Fair in Syracuse where Charley and I met with the director of Familycapped. We also spoke with several parents who have children with special needs and and decided to issue a challenge match for the benefit of Familycapped to the Syracuse community over a local network affiliate. Charley and I then packed up for our journey to Richmond, VA.
Have a great weekend!


Week of August 17

Monday
We're leaving Sioux Falls, South Dakota after visiting John Sturdevant, a longtime close friend, and heading for a charity in Madison, Wisconsin. We'll be stopping off to visit Mike and Jean Regan and family in Green Lake, WI. Mike is a Y.P.O.'er out of Chicago and, as he likes to tell me, "a fine figure of a man". Many miles to go!

Friday
We left Green Lake Wisconsin and our visit with the Regans on Wednesday and drove to Madison. We visited The Respite Center, toured their facility, and made a donation. It was then on to Chicago for a visit with another Y.P.O family; the Stojkas. On thursday morning we met with the director of the Gus Foundation that funds research for children with brain tumors. Children's Hospital is on the cutting edge when it comes to treatment of pediatric brain tumors and this Foundation plays a big role in that success. In the afternoon we went to a charity based in Cabrini-Green in downtown Chicago, Kids' Club. They do fabulous work in helping inner city kids grow mentally, physically, and spiritually. We're returning this morning to make a contribution.

Cheers!
John and Charley