Wish 100 Bike Rally - October 9!

WISH 100 IN MOTION TO MAKE WISHES COME TRUE FOR CHILDREN IN NORTH TEXAS
100K Bicycle Rally, October 9, to Grant Wishes with Every Mile Ridden

The Make-A-Wish Foundation® of North Texas is gearing up for its second annual cycling event, The Jones Lang LaSalle Wish 100, a 60-mile bike rally on October 9, Wish 100 begins in Plano, Texas at Frito-Lay and will continue throughout Collin County, to benefit children in North Texas fighting life-threatening medical conditions.

Former Dallas Cowboy and current ESPN analyst, Darren Woodson, is trading his football for a set of wheels to serve as the event’s emcee. The Make-A-Wish Foundation of North Texas aims to unite surrounding North Texas communities with support from businesses, city mayors - including a special recognition from the mayor of Plano, Phil Dyer - and the wish kids themselves. Wish kid, Caleb, 12, who was granted his wish to go to Walt Disney World, will serve as the event’s wish ambassador.

“We definitely surpassed all expectations with twice as many riders as expected last year, and have a goal of securing 3,000 riders this year to help us grant more wishes in North Texas,” said Scotty Landry, president and chief executive officer of the North Texas Chapter.

Geared toward cycling enthusiasts, families and the average rider, Wish 100 has redesigned 100k (60-mile), 10, 30 and 45-mile bike routes to best accommodate all participants. The 60-mile course passes through nine communities: Allen, Plano, Richardson, Carrollton, Hebron, The Colony, Fairview, Parker and Lucas. The course logistics were configured by Dr. Kendall Brown, the event chair and Mike Keel, owner/operator of Bikin’ Mike in Plano.

“Wish 100 is not just a bicycle rally, but rather an entire experience that unites companies like ours, communities and most importantly, brings joy and hope to such deserving children and families,” added Tommy Parrett, managing director, project & development services, Jones Lang LaSalle, last year’s top fundraising team, raising more than $20,000.

Keeping momentum, the “Tail-Ache” party will follow the rally as an opportunity for riders, sponsors, families and wish kids to celebrate the funds raised, miles ridden and a great end to the cycling season. Live music performed by the One O’Clock Lab Band, Plano West Jazz Band, food, prizes for the largest and top fundraising teams and goody bags will be available. Donations will be taken at the party tent entrance.

In preparation for the big rally, wish kids will express and illustrate their gratitude for sponsors at a special, invitation only, “Ink Party” on October 8. The children will be “inking” their sponsor’s arms or legs using sharpie markers to let the community know that each participant is riding for a special cause. For more information about Wish 100 and supporting events, or to register as a team or individual, please visit www.wish100.org.

About Make-A-Wish Foundation® of North Texas:
The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Born in 1980 when a group of caring volunteers helped a young boy fulfill his dream of becoming a police officer, the Foundation is now the largest wish-granting charity in the world with 65 chapters in the United States and its territories.
With the help of generous donors and more than 25,000 volunteers, the Make-A-Wish Foundation grants a wish every 40 minutes and has granted more than 164,000 wishes in the U.S. since inception. The Make-A-Wish Foundation of North Texas, established in 1982, has granted more than 4,440 wishes. For more information on the Make-A-Wish Foundation of North Texas, please visit www.northtexas.wish.org.