Fort Lauderdale, FL – On Sunday December 5, 2010 Kids In Distress (KID) hosted the KID Inlet Bicycle Challenge fundraiser. The KID Inlet Challenge Bicycle race consisted of four long distance challenges; The Century (100 Miles), The Metric Century (62.5 Miles), The Half Metric Century (31 Miles) and The Beach Cruiser (15 Miles). Of course no matter what course riders chose each pedal was for a great cause. After the cyclists completed their chosen race course, students from American Institute – School of Wellness and Beauty. Massage Therapy students were waiting at the finish line to give all the participants a complimentary massage.
Kids In Distress (KID) is a nationally-accredited, community-supported agency based in South Florida, specializing in children and families. KID provides services that prevent and treat child abuse, while also educating and strengthening families. The proceeds of the KID Inlet Challenge benefit Kids In Distress, a leading force and authority in prevention of child abuse, preservation of families, and treatment of children who have been abused and neglected. KID is responsive to the growing and ever-changing needs of the community. Last year, KID served more than 6,200 children and their families. For additional information about Kids In Distress visit their website at: http://www.kidinc.org/.
So far this year KID has raised over $90,000 for the local community and the American Institute students are proud to be a part of that. Gussie Wilkins-Holmes, American Institute – School of Wellness and Beauty, Campus President said, “One of our favorite charities is Kids In Distress, we appreciate the commitment this organization has made to our community and as always the exciting “Inlet challenge cycling event” allows the AI students to volunteer their time for a great cause and gain great field experience all at the same time. The students are thrilled to provide chair massages for the cyclists and trainers after their long rides.”
Randy Proto, CEO of American Institute added, “I am always proud of our students, but when I learn they have volunteered their time for charity work, particularly helping children, I am even more so. Kids In Distress is an excellent organization and I couldn’t think of a better way for our massage therapy students to gain practical field experience than by performing massages on the riders after their participation in this great charity event.”
Students that volunteered their time from American Institute included: Shauna Vanriel, Ashley Landrith, Thamela Montgomery, Angie Ziegler, Andrea Deshields, Sara Portilla, Jerita Aaron, and Stephanie Cardona.
