Fraternity brothers to cycle cross-country for philanthropy
Editor's Note: This story is about two Phi Kappa Phi brothers who will be cycling across the entire country from California to the capitol in order to raise awareness for the disabled. These men are clearly men of good character and are possessed of good morals because of their extraordinary devotion to helping others and participating in an event that is larger than themselves.
Brittney Moore
Wednesday, March 12, 2008 issue
For most students, summer vacation means driving to the beach or relaxing at home. But for two fraternity brothers, this summer will be a Journey of Hope.
Pi Kappa Phi brothers Tripp Plaskett, an undecided sophomore, and C.J. Musta, a senior in biological sciences, will be cycling 4,000 miles from San Diego to the front lawn of the U.S. Capitol building in Washington this summer for Journey of Hope, a cross-country bicycle trek to raise awareness for the disabled.
The Journey of Hope began in 1987 when a brother made a cross country cycling trip for Push America, a non-profit organization started by Pi Kappa Phi to benefit those with disabilities, according to the organization’s Web site. In 1988, the fraternity expanded the trip to found the “largest fraternal fundraising and awareness event of its kind, the Journey of Hope.”
The trip will begin on June 8 and will finish on Aug. 16.
Plaskett said he decided to take part in JOH “to help benefit people with disabilities so that hopefully they can enjoy life to the fullest, as I strive to do.” After he spoke with a fraternity brother, Plaskett looked into JOH and submitted an application. “It seems … that it was ‘life changing.’ (The) stories are why I have committed to give up a summer of my life to benefit others in hope that they will get the same enjoyment from our interactions as I hope to,” Plaskett said.
Musta joined JOH for personal reasons.
“There are two people from back home that I am making this bike ride for,” Musta said. “My grandfather, whom I am named after, died last April and my friend, Daniel Watkins, that got hit by a truck while riding his bicycle when we were 9 years old,” Musta said. “It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity for me. Helping kids with disabilities and getting to see America from coast to coast … on a bicycle is truly amazing.”
There are three teams of approximately 20 to 25 men from across the United States, Plaskett said. The teams have activities planned every day to work with local communities, including bowling, puppet shows for children, dances, themed dinners and wheelchair basketball.
To prepare for their journey, Plaskett and Musta started training on stationary bikes shortly after they were accepted to JOH.
“We both have continued this as well as light weight lifting daily, and more recently (we) have started cycling on the roads when the weather is favorable,” Plaskett said.
Plaskett said he hopes to brighten the lives of those he comes across this summer.
“I also hope to learn more about myself and find new ways to fully enjoy life,” he added.
The only obstacle Plaskett fears is making the fundraising goal while keeping up with his training regimen. Each team member in Push America is required to raise $5,000. Plaskett said that he and Musta have raised about $4,500 so far, and they plan to have a spaghetti dinner to help raise the last of their donations. A table will also be set up on the Pedestrian Mall to help raise donations and inform the campus community about Push America and JOH.
Plaskett hopes to complete his fundraising by mid-April and said that he is confident he will make his goal.
“I am so excited to begin this trip that it will take something immense to stop me from making it to the finish,” he said. “I have no doubt that in August I can start classes knowing that I cycled over 4,000 miles across the country in just one summer.”
Posted By: Evan Hackler
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