News Release Sept. 18, 2002

From: The Okemos Education Foundation
For Immediate Release

Contact: Tamara Rummel
Date: Sept. 18, 2002
664-1405 (pager:232-1484)

Tour d'Okemos Cyclists Peddle to Provide Grant Funds

OKEMOS - The Okemos Education Foundation (OEF) is proud to host the 2002 Delta Dental Tour d'Okemos fund-raising event Saturday, October 5, 2002. A non-competitive cycling tour built on strong community values, tradition and family fun, the ride features four designated routes from 5 to 54 miles long.

Cost to participate in the Tour d'Okemos is $15 per adult, $10 per child age 12 and under and $50 for a single household family pass. Proceeds from the event benefit K-12 students in the Okemos district by funding innovative programs not normally included in the general budget.

To register call Tour d'Okemos Chair Shelee Bush 351-5755 or download a Tour d' Okemos registration form from the OEF website at http://okemos.k12.mi.us. Cyclists can also register the morning of the event - rain or shine from 8 a.m. - noon, at Chippewa Middle School, Kinawa Drive, Okemos.

"We welcome all cyclists from beginners to veteran riders," says Shelee Bush, event chair. "The Tour is unique to the Okemos area. Even though we can't provide the vista of the Tour de' France, we believe we can offer a unique venue for family fun and a scenic route for experiencing the fall season. This ride may be the last cycling adventure in Michigan before the snow flies. We are pleased to offer two new aspects to the Tour for 2002 - a bike rodeo for youngsters and cycling safety tips for all riders."

All participants are required to wear bicycle helmets during the Tour and head phones are not permitted while biking in the event. The 2002 Delta Dental Tour d'Okemos hosted by the OEF is sponsored by 99.1 WFMK, WLNS NewsCenter 6, Fraser, Trebilcock, Davis & Dunlap, P.C., Michigan Gastroenterology Instiitute, G.E.E! Communications and DeltaVision Optical.

The purpose of the Okemos Education Foundation is to secure funds and provide innovative educational opportunities beyond the district's budgetary potential. Volunteer trustees work to expand support of the schools through fund-raising events, annual contributions, payroll deductions and estate planning donations. Fund-raising programs are focused on perpetual growth of the established OEF Endowment Fund. Persons interested in contributing to the foundation may send their donation to the Okemos Education Foundation, 3536 Meridian Crossing Drive, Suite 220 #303. Okemos, MI 48864.