A cheque for US$10,323.99 was presented at Interbike in Las Vegas last Wednesday, September 28 to the Challenged Athletes Foundation. The money was raised from the sale of Peaceful Tribe branded clothing through the combined efforts of the members of the Slowtwitch.com triathlon forum, Cervélo Cycles and Headsweats.
"I am deeply touched that the opportunity to help out and give back was greeted with such enthusiasm by our online community," said forum member Stephen Perera, who started the ball rolling to support the CAF. "It restores one’s faith in people when you experience the groundswell results one small suggestion can make."
After it was decided that the Peaceful Tribe would sell clothing to raise money, Mr Perera designed a logo for the Tribe. At the same time another forum member stepped up to the plate: Gerard Vroomen, the co-owner of Cervelo Cycles. He offered to have Cervelo’s apparel manager Heather Travis, coordinate the production, ordering and shipping of the apparel with all proceeds going to the charity.
"Years ago when my former competitor Dan Empfield started Slowtwitch.com, Cervelo was one of the first to support his new venture and I was one of the first forum members," commented Vroomen. "It is pretty amazing to see how the forum has grown since, and what a nice community it has become."
Alan Romick from Headsweats agreed to produce running heads with the Peaceful tribe logo and once all apparel was sold to the Peaceful Tribe members, the initial goal of US$ 10,000 was surpassed.
The presentation to CAF board member Bob Babbitt was the culmination of that initial suggestion. "The money raised, which we are extremely appreciative of, will be used to provide funding for one or more of our athlete grants," said Virginia Tinley Executive Director, CAF, "
