Last month, an incredible team of riders and crew members took on the Race Across America - a grueling coast to coast bicycle race in 7 days - all to raise awareness and support for Tutapona’s mental health programming. In total, they raised $120,000 USD for our work, and came in 3rd place in the eight-rider teams!
We are in awe of the team, their dedication, and of those who came on board as we raced across America for mental health!
Take a minute to read through their thoughts below on the experience, and why it was important to take on the country in support of others, and if you would like to support our RAAM, please visit the link below.
What inspired you to be a part of Tutapona’s Race Across America?
SAVANAH CAWLEY - CREW CHIEF
In 2021, I heard about Tutapona’s Ride for Refugees, and its goal of supporting mental health needs of people affected by war. I was instantly inspired after Carl spoke one morning at our church. In Early 2023, Carl and Julie asked if I would be willing to support Tutapona through joining the Race Across America crew team in their upcoming RAAM. Of course I said yes! Working together for a purpose, and bringing awareness to an amazing cause is full-filling and brings so much joy to my life. It was an honor to support Tutapona and the team of athletes in this year’s race.
TONY REID - CREW CHIEF
I became involved with RAAM through Steve Weldon and Jeff Seal from Hope Community Church in Kansas, as I had assisted as a crew member for another bike trip we had done from Syria, VA to Lebanon, KS in support of refugees. On that trip, I learned a lot about what refugees have to go through, and overcome just to survive.
STEVE WELDON - RIDER
I became part of Tutapona’s RAAM team because I truly believe in the work Tutapona is doing in the name of Jesus, to help those who desperately need healing and hope in their lives. It was a difficult journey, but we know that it is noting in comparison to what others have faced.
CARL GAEDE - RIDER
Having the opportunity to organize, and then participate in Tutapona’s Race Across America was an incredible honor. God brought together an amazing team of riders and crew to fulfill our goal of raising awareness across the country and financial resources for the work God is doing through Tutapona. And all of this happened because of a bike race! This year is Tutapona’s 15th year of providing Mental Health support to people affected by war, and we wanted to do something BIG to mark this milestone. The race was hard, but the work our staff does everyday, and what people strive to overcome to find hope again is harder. That’s why it’s important that we continue to support the work that Tutapona is doing!
Why is supporting mental health programming important to you?
SAVANAH -
People who suffer from poor mental health surround us everyday, and we don’t always know it or see it, so for me to be able to play a small role in bringing awareness to Tutapona, their work, and its purpose fills my heart greatly!
TONY -
How Tutapona works with the mental health needs of those who have lived through war really struck home, as I have experienced with mental health issues within my family, and could not imagine how the stress of not having a home and feeling unsafe would compound these struggles. I hope to see support and awareness continue to help those in need, and allow Tutapona to expand into other areas where their help is needed.
STEVE -
Mental Health is a critical area which is often overlooked by many working with the "least of these." Food, shelter, and other basic necessities can be addressed, but if the mental health issues are overlooked, then all else still falls very short in bringing true and lasting healing and hope.
What motivated you to keep going when things were tough, or you felt discouraged during the Race Across America?
SAVANAH -
The race was difficult, and when times got tough, Team Tutapona rallied together and supported one another. Many times, I called upon the Lord and He showed up with grace, strength, incredible endurance, and love. I am so grateful for His never-ending love!
STEVE -
The race was difficult, but when things got tough, the thought of Jesus being lifted up and others being helped in His name motivated me, and our entire team, to keep going. Through this bike race, we raised an incredible amount of support for Tutapona, and my hope is that Jesus will be honored, and many people will find hope through Him because of this!
CARL -
Even though there were so many aspects of the race that were extremely difficult, we were all motivated by the people Tutapona serves around the world. People displaced due to war have endured so much more difficulty than we did on our journey, we had no right to ever complain or even think of giving up. I am so pleased that all the support raised through this bike race will be used to provide emotional healing through mental health services to people affected by war around the world.
