Ride for Joe
Tax deductible
Over twenty years ago I participated in a bike ride from Minneapolis to Chicago to raise funds for HIV/AIDS research and treatment. I had hoped as an anniversary date, as well as an ego trip, I could ride it once again to prove I still had the stamina and grit. In the last twenty years research has done wonders and there are now many treatment options available for HIV. With that said, I have sat and waited it out until an opportunity might present itself.
In the Spring of 2016 I learned of Joe Bodine’s death due to a drug overdose. I didn’t know Joe. My son, Cole, played on the same lacrosse team so I only knew of Joe wearing a helmet running down the field. I felt compelled to attend Joe’s service which was held at the Performing Arts Center at Decatur High School. I have known many "Joes" and I have known many who were close to reaching the fate of Joe Bodine. As I type this, we are a few days away from International Overdose Awareness Day; a day to remember those we have lost as well as those who are left behind with a piece of their heart missing. As light may come from dark Joe's death opened the door for community discussions in regards to what support our youth need.
Joe’s family created Joe’s Fund at the Decatur Education Foundation for the purpose of collecting monetary donations to support adolescent mental health in Decatur. Through the loss of Joe local community members and DHS staff recognized there were additional resources which could be helpful to Decatur High School students. This provided a springboard for the development of the Student Growth Network. This network will provide a variety of supportive services to enhance DHS students’ academic, social, and emotional health.
Some of you reading this may be aware of my personal mental health challenges over the last several years. I have learned so much and continue to add tools to my tool belt to keep me healthy. As an adult I have life experience to get me through the tough spots plus the ability to not be as concerned with my ego in comparison to how a typical teenager focuses on theirs. It is now 2017 and we have learned mental health, alcohol and drug usage, addiction, and bullying don’t remain in their own silos. The silos have now come down leading us to have collaboration of services in place to lift up our youth.
On September 29th - October 1st, I will be riding my bike along with my son Cole from Chattanooga to Atlanta (160 miles) with Bicycle Ride Across Georgia. This ride isn’t set up as a fundraiser, but I would like to make it one.
Joe’s Fund at DEF will accept tax deductible donations by supporters pledging this ride. I’m not sure what a reasonable goal is and those who know me know I tend to shoot for the stars. So at this moment $10,000 is sounding like a good number. I plan to make shirts to wear each of the days. If you have a company you’d like to advertise I’m more than happy to use my body as a billboard. Send me a message and we can talk further about it. If you know others who would like to support adolescent mental health please share this Go Fund Me with them. Supporting adolescent mental health is important even if the youth don’t happen to reside in your community. We are all connected! Who knows... the model for the Student Growth Exchange could someday be implemented where your youth reside.
I do plan to keep a journal here on GoFundMe with the progress of fundraising, thoughts on mental health, and the actual bike journey. Thank you for taking the time to read this request and I hope to have your support. Any amount is appreciated and your gift is tax-deductible!
Warmly,
Marnie Grodzin
In the Spring of 2016 I learned of Joe Bodine’s death due to a drug overdose. I didn’t know Joe. My son, Cole, played on the same lacrosse team so I only knew of Joe wearing a helmet running down the field. I felt compelled to attend Joe’s service which was held at the Performing Arts Center at Decatur High School. I have known many "Joes" and I have known many who were close to reaching the fate of Joe Bodine. As I type this, we are a few days away from International Overdose Awareness Day; a day to remember those we have lost as well as those who are left behind with a piece of their heart missing. As light may come from dark Joe's death opened the door for community discussions in regards to what support our youth need.
Joe’s family created Joe’s Fund at the Decatur Education Foundation for the purpose of collecting monetary donations to support adolescent mental health in Decatur. Through the loss of Joe local community members and DHS staff recognized there were additional resources which could be helpful to Decatur High School students. This provided a springboard for the development of the Student Growth Network. This network will provide a variety of supportive services to enhance DHS students’ academic, social, and emotional health.
Some of you reading this may be aware of my personal mental health challenges over the last several years. I have learned so much and continue to add tools to my tool belt to keep me healthy. As an adult I have life experience to get me through the tough spots plus the ability to not be as concerned with my ego in comparison to how a typical teenager focuses on theirs. It is now 2017 and we have learned mental health, alcohol and drug usage, addiction, and bullying don’t remain in their own silos. The silos have now come down leading us to have collaboration of services in place to lift up our youth.
On September 29th - October 1st, I will be riding my bike along with my son Cole from Chattanooga to Atlanta (160 miles) with Bicycle Ride Across Georgia. This ride isn’t set up as a fundraiser, but I would like to make it one.
Joe’s Fund at DEF will accept tax deductible donations by supporters pledging this ride. I’m not sure what a reasonable goal is and those who know me know I tend to shoot for the stars. So at this moment $10,000 is sounding like a good number. I plan to make shirts to wear each of the days. If you have a company you’d like to advertise I’m more than happy to use my body as a billboard. Send me a message and we can talk further about it. If you know others who would like to support adolescent mental health please share this Go Fund Me with them. Supporting adolescent mental health is important even if the youth don’t happen to reside in your community. We are all connected! Who knows... the model for the Student Growth Exchange could someday be implemented where your youth reside.
I do plan to keep a journal here on GoFundMe with the progress of fundraising, thoughts on mental health, and the actual bike journey. Thank you for taking the time to read this request and I hope to have your support. Any amount is appreciated and your gift is tax-deductible!
Warmly,
Marnie Grodzin
Organiser
Gail Rothman
Organiser
Decatur, GA
Decatur Education Foundation
Registered charity
Donations are typically 100% tax-deductible in the US.
