Ever imagine riding 109 miles through the southwestern desert with a peloton of professional cyclists (and amateur enthusiasts, of course)? This month I have an opportunity to do just that.

Every year a  group of local riders travel to Tucson to participate in El Tour de Tucson. Not only is this road race a blast, but it is a major source of funding for the University Medical Center and a very special organization called Tu Nidito.

For the past 13 years, Tu Nidito has been the primary beneficiary of El Tour de Tucson with cyclists raising more than $200,000 for the cause each year. These funds are essential to Tu Nidito programs, providing more than 25% of their annual operating budget and supporting hundreds of children each year.

read more about Scarlett

This will be my second year having registered to “Ride For a Child” at the University Medical Center’s 28th El Tour de Tucson. I have been paired with Scarlett, one of the special Tu Nidito kids. Each of these children has had their life impacted by the diagnosis of a serious illness or the death of a loved one. With our help and the support programs provided by Tu Nidito, these children have the tools, resources, comfort and support they need to get through these difficult times.

read more about Tu Nidito

H. Marion Framing Studio
Gives Back to Local Community

WILMETTE, IL  —  The stars of the most recent gallery opening at H. Marion Framing Studio were student artists from Avoca School District 37′s Marie Murphy Junior High School. Gallery owner Jan Marion, an alum of the district, hosted the event in an effort to give back to the community.

“Fostering art appreciation among schoolchildren is vital,” Marion, who supports local artists of all ages, says. “There is a strong link between kids who make art and their level of focus and success later in life. It’s also a great way to give back to the community.” (more…)