Every Child Has A Dream

”EVERY CHILD HAS A DREAM"

My Dream
When I graduated College, I had a dream to bike around Lake Michigan, about 800 miles. When I discussed it with my Mom, her words were simple "Be Safe."  While the words were few, the meaning was very impactful.  As always in life, my Mom and Dad encouraged me to pursue my dreams. They never doubted that I could achieve them.  However, I quickly realized that this one dream would have to be put on hold.  I did not have the money to buy a bike, and my family did not have the means to help me.  My goal was to work a year, buy a bike and then take a two week vacation to achieve this dream.  As happens so often in life, priorities changed, and this dream was never realized…. but it was also never forgotten.

Fast forward 37 years, and many of my dreams have been accomplished, and I feel so fortunate for what life and God have given me.  Now, I have the time, resources, and most importantly support from my amazing wife, to go after this one dream.

An Adventure, Not a Race
In mid-February, I am going to begin my journey, and I have set my goal even higher.  I am going to begin by dipping my back tire in the Pacific Ocean in San Diego, California.   I will then ride my bicycle over 3000 miles to touch my front tire in the Atlantic Ocean in St. Augustine, Florida.  It will take roughly 2 to 3 months with 60+ days of riding averaging around 50 miles per day. While I will be riding alone, I could not do this without the support of my wife, Patty! For most of the trip, we have rented an RV, and Patty will be the pilot and my sag wagon. Oh yeh, she will also have a co-pilot, our dog, Lucky.  We are going to make this an adventure, not a race, to discover America and the people along the way…it is an amazing country.

Every Child Has Dreams—Some Need Help to Realize Them
Many of you know that Patty worked for Sierra Vista Child and Family Services in Modesto for 17 years prior to retiring.  Both of us love this organization and the amazing work it does in serving the underserved youth. We decided that we would like to help some of these children to realize their dreams. Usually their biggest dream is to be reunited with their Mom and Dad.  It is sad to say that in most cases, this dream will not be realized.  However, we can support Sierra Vista in providing them a safe place to sleep, clothes, a warm meal and in the best of most cases, a Foster family that loves them as if they are their own children.

As part of our journey, we are going to raise money to help these children realize their dreams. Please consider donating a penny or nickel or dime per mile or more. Any amount will make an impact. Patty and I are going to match all donations up to the first $10,000.   All money will go directly to the Foster Kids program at Sierra Vista. 

Donation Levels:
Feed a Child           $.01 per mile                      $30
Cloth a Child         $.05 per mile                    $150
House a Child       $.10 per mile                    $300
Fund a Dream      $.33 per mile                  $1000

Any amount, larger or smaller, is greatly appreciated and will make a difference in a foster child's life.   Please help a child’s dream to be realized!

Thank you for your support of this great cause and following my journey........

Tony and Patty Youga


Website links:

Link to our blog and photos to keep you updated during our adventure

Link to Sierra Vista Child & Family Services website 

 Map and Overview of the route that we will be following