Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/13061
LONGBEACHMAGAZINE.COM 75 community lunches and dinners, and the cyclists even perform a puppet show for kids. "We get involved in the community and they have a good time — they get excited that we come in," Freeman said. "Everyone [along the way] can get involved because we need to raise money, but there is also a way to get involved by touching lives. That was the deciding factor for my involvement more than anything." Serving people with disabilities is a key part of the mission of Push America, funded by the efforts of national fraternity, Pi Kappa Phi. It was Freeman who founded the fraternity's CSULB chapter four years ago, which now has 80 local members. Pi Kappa Phi and Push America work together, not only to raise money each year through the Journey For Hope, but also to build disability access structures, including one in this city. "There was a gentleman in Long Beach who was recently disabled and needed to make his house wheelchair-accessible. Push America provided all costs for building everything, and the fraternity provided the labor. His house is now wheelchair-accessible, and it didn't cost him anything," Freeman said. Freeman said he considered himself "less than a beginner" when he committed to the event and began training in mid-March. He started cycling to campus and around the city, gradually extending his distances. An avid soccer player since his youth, he has always been physically active, and was soon riding up to four days a week, averaging thirty to forty miles on each trip. Now, all of his efforts have paid off. So far, he has raised more than $8,500 — his personal fundraising goal. He emphasizes he could not have succeeded without the support of his friends and family, including fundraising events hosted by his grandparents on both sides. His journey not only takes him across the nation, but through his entire summer. CSULB is back in session less than two weeks after he returns, but Freeman knows his commitment will make a huge difference. "Everybody can get involved in a meaningful event," he said. "Everyone has their own personal things — everyone has to work and take care of their family — but if each one of us took the time to help our community, it gets returned ten-fold. Go out and do something for someone else. Helping your fellow man — it is really what everyone should do." n Push America will accept donations through August 14 to support Freeman's ride. Visit pushamerica.org/Journey of Hope/2010 Roster & Profiles for more information. 800.827.2946 ■ www.FantasySpringsResort.com In The Palm Springs Valley Valid through Sept. 30, 2010. Blackout dates may apply. Join us on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest news, promotions, entertainment updates and special contests. Eagle Falls Golf Course Play & Stay $ 119 (Mon-Thurs) DELUXE ROOM FOR 2 $20 FREE PLAY ■ GOLF FOR 1 (ASK for OFFER EFGOLFPKG) $ 169 (Fri-Sun & Holidays) DELUXE ROOM FOR 2 $20 FREE PLAY ■ GOLF FOR 1 (ASK for OFFER EFGOLFPKG1) 250-ROOM HOTEL ■ SIX FABULOUS RESTAURANTS ROCK YARD - LIVE MUSIC ■ VEGAS-STYLE GAMING 18-HOLE CHAMPIONSHIP COURSE - CLIVE CLARK DESIGNED WORLD-CLASS ENTERTAINMENT ■ 12TH FLOOR - JAZZ & WINE BAR FANT-39813 OCL HalfPg_Layout 1 6/24/10 2:03 PM Page 1