News release June 5, 2001

News Release For Immediate Release

June 5, 2001

Contact: Tamara Rummel - 232-1484 (pager)
353-5190x148 (office)

Cyclists Catch the Ride Rain or Shine
Tour d'Okemos 2001 certainly made a splash for the Okemos Education Foundation during drizzly rain showers and cloudy skies Saturday, June 2. Over 150 pre-registered cyclists attended the event and finished routes varying from five to 25 miles. A crew of 50 volunteers made sure the cyclists were greeted, served refreshments and encouraged along all three routes.

Matt Mutka, and son Paul, are long time Tour d'Okemos riders. "I enjoy the event very much, said Paul. We did the 16 mile tour three years ago and I look forward to riding it every year with my Dad." Paul can go ahead and make plans to ride in the 2002 Tour d'Okemos because Okemos Education Foundation board members have started planning for next year's event.

2001 Tour d'Okemos volunteers, Jane Andros, Diane Flatley and Cathy Richter said it takes about 6 months of planning to coordinate the event. Over 50 volunteers including teachers, community members and foundation board trustees contribute many hours, rain or shine, to make the event a successful community tradition.

All Tour d'Okemos proceeds benefit Okemos public school students K-12 by providing funding for innovative programs and educational opportunities beyond the district's ordinary budget.

During the 2000/2001 school year, the Okemos Education Foundation awarded nearly $15,000 to the grant-giving process. Foundation grants must be aligned closely with school curriculum. Okemos public school teachers may submit requests for grants three times each school year during October, January and May. To learn more about the mission of the Okemos Education Foundation visit their Web site at http://okemos.k12.mi.us.