Unique delivery method well-worth the 200 mountain bike rides the donation will provide

San Rafael, CA - Long-time Trips for Kids donor, Giant Bicycle USA, recently made a generous product donation to Trips for Kids and its Re-Cyclery. Unlike donations that usually arrive via UPS or a trucking company, Trips for Kids personally took charge of the donation by flying a staff person to Los Angeles, renting a U-Haul truck and driving the great number of bikes and parts back to their warehouse facility in San Rafael.

Despite the unique method of delivery, Trips for Kids Shop Manager Andy Phelps said, "the time and effort will be well worth the end result -- the value of the donation will mean 200* mountain bike rides or more for the youngsters we serve!"

"Trips for Kids is one of the most important organizations that Giant supports," said Patrick VanHorn, Corporate Communications Manager for Giant USA. "I lived in Marin County before I ever worked in the bicycle industry, and I've seen the great work TFK has done. To now be able to help continue Giant's backing for the organization is really quite an honor."

Since TFK was founded in Marin County in 1988, more than 79,000 at-risk youth have experienced the challenge and excitement of TFK's outdoor adventures. The daylong mountain bike rides help children gain physical skills and confidence while inspiring an appreciation for nature.

"Supporters like Giant and the hundred or more other bike companies that donate product they can no longer use are directly responsible for much of the success of Trips for Kids. We are able to generate funds to operate our programs through these donations," said Founding Director Marilyn Price. "Our bike thrift shop gives donated items a "second life," making a win-win situation for Trips for Kids and the environment. Without a doubt, we value our relationship with Giant and all the industry donors who have supported us over the years."

Manufacturers, distributors and shops wishing to clear out unwanted stock, receive a tax deduction, help the environment, and help kids, can email Marilyn at info@tripsforkids.org or call 415.458.2986.

The Trips for Kids Re-Cyclery Bike Thrift Shop is located at 610 Fourth Street, San Rafael, Calif. The shop is open Tuesday through Friday, 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For more information, go to www.tripsforkids.org.

* Number of mountain bike rides may vary based on the end sold price of the donated bicycle products at the Trips for Kids Re-Cyclery.

A new phase of long term growth and sustainability to serve at-risk youth across North America is launched

San Rafael, CA - Trips for Kids (TFK) demonstrated their long term commitment to under-served youth, hiring a new Executive Director for North America, Eric Goldman that will oversee the Trips For Kids.

This organization will be responsible for working closely with local chapters to collaborate on strategic national alliances, new sources of funding and sponsorship opportunities, as well as the formation of new chapters.

Trips For Kids currently has 69 financially independent chapters that offer a variety of programs for under-served youth, typically from economically disadvantaged inner city communities of color. These youth typically come to TFK from local agencies that serve this population including: school organizations, youth centers, and larger nonprofits such as Boys and Girls Club of America.

Marilyn Price, founder, board member and director of the Marin Chapter is "delighted to see her 22-year effort focused on new growth that will significantly increase the number of youth currently engaged in the program every year."

Trips For Kids Board Member and CFO of Thomas Weisel Partners lead the search to find the right candidate for this position. Asked about the decision to hire Goldman, Stanley said "I don't think we could have found a more qualified person to lead our national growth into the next decade. Eric has experience in the nonprofit sector focused on access to higher education for under-served youth and demonstrated success in the for-profit sector as a senior executive at companies including, Esprit, Levi and Disney in the areas of business development, strategic planning, global brand management and organizational modeling. The combination of his commitment to under-served youth coupled with his 20+ years of experience makes me confident about our selection."

For more information about TFK and to donate to the organization, please visit the TFK website or contact Eric Goldman at 415.578.3708 or efgoldman@tripsforkids.org.

San Rafael, CA - The President's Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition (PCFSN) has chosen Marilyn Price to receive a 2010 PCFSN Community Leadership Award. The award is given annually to individuals who improve the lives of individuals within their community by providing or enhancing opportunities to engage in sports, physical activities, fitness or nutrition-related programs.

Longtime environmentalist and bicycle enthusiast Marilyn Price uses her passions to improve the lives of at-risk children. In 1986, Price founded Trips for Kids (TFK), a nonprofit organization that opens the world of cycling to at-risk youth through mountain bike rides and Earn-a-Bike programs. Today the organization has more than 70 chapters located throughout the United States, Canada and Israel.

"It is our pleasure to present this award to Marilyn Price," says Shellie Pfohl, Executive Director of the President's Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition. "Physical activity and good nutrition are important components of living a healthy lifestyle, and we are pleased to recognize individuals like Marilyn Price who are committed to making a difference and positively influencing the health of their communities."

"Trips for Kids is overjoyed to be the recipient of this prestigious award," said Marilyn Price, founding director of TFK. "Recognition from the President's Council will significantly boost our visibility and encourage more people to sign up as Trips for Kids chapters."

This year, the President's Council presented the Community Leadership Award to 28 individuals across the country for making sports, physical activity, fitness, and nutrition-related programs available in their communities.

Photo: Trips for Kids

San Rafael, CA - Tour d'Afrique Ltd is planning its first ever North American bike tour and has partnered with the national bike charity Trips For Kids to raise money and awareness about their bike programs that help at-risk youth.

Through the Tour d'Afrique Foundation, the riders and staff of the 2011 tour will be making donations to these Trips for Kids chapters:

* TFK Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, run by TFK volunteer Jack Harding
* TFK Chicago Voyagers, a part of the Chicago Voyagers program
* TFK Pontiac, Mich., operated by the Baldwin Center
* TFK Marin, San Francisco, operated by TFK founder Marilyn Price
* TFK Tallahassee, Fla., operated by Ken Foster of Bicycle Tallahassee

The tour will visit each chapter along the 8,000 km (4,971 mile) route from San Francisco to St. John's, Newfoundland, to make donations and to raise awareness about the great work being done by Trips for Kids.

"Cycling is a great way to introduce kids to a healthy lifestyle and the environment," said Tour d'Afrique Foundation Director Paul McManus. "Trips for Kids Chapters are getting tens of thousands of kids on bikes that otherwise would never have the opportunity."

The Tour d'Afrique Foundation gives back to the communities each tour travels through by supporting organizations that improve people's lives through the use of a bicycle. The Foundation has donated more than1,300 bikes and raised more than one million dollars for various charities.

The North American Epic bike tour is the latest offering from the Tour d'Afrique, well known for its epic tours in Africa, Asia, South America and Europe. Available in five sections, the full tour starts May 29, 2011 from the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco and ends 92 days later on the shores of the Atlantic in St. John's, Newfoundland. It is the longest North American tour currently available and the only tour that journeys through the U.S. and Canada.

The awarded $50,000 grant will support existing chapters with needed equipment and program materials, along with creating new TFK chapters

San Rafael, CA - On November 1, Trips for Kids (TFK) and its Red Team of supporters won the CLIF BAR 2 Mile Challenge, a nationwide, six-month long campaign to fight climate change by encouraging people to ride a bike instead of driving a car for trips of two miles or less.

Friendly competition among cyclists taking the CLIF BAR 2 Mile Challenge resulted in a $25,000 bonus grant to Trips for Kids. The bonus grant followed a $25,000 grant CLIF BAR initially made to each of the three non-profits supported by the 2 Mile Challenge.

Trips for Kids has earmarked a portion of the awarded funds to go to chapters in good standing to purchase needed equipment, and create information sharing and program materials. A portion of the funds will also be used to create new TFK chapters.

TFK's winning CLIF BAR 2 Mile Challenge Team included 1,994 people, who rode an impressive 166,298 miles and saved 152,994 pounds of carbon dioxide by using their bikes instead of a car.

"The CLIF BAR 2 Mile Challenge really motivated our community to get on their bikes to fight climate change. I am particularly proud of our Re-Cyclery staff, including 3 of our staff who were the top three high scorers on our team," said Marilyn Price, Trips for Kids executive director. "We also owe special thanks to TFK members from Veloreview who enthusiastically supported us every "pedal" of the way. We are so grateful to CLIF BAR for this financial boost that will help us reach out to our increasingly diverse community and inspire a new generation of cyclists."

While the CLIF BAR 2 Mile Challenge team competition is over for the year-slated to return in Spring 2011-the 2 Mile Challenge remains active for people who to want to continue or join, log bike miles and challenge friends to ride their bikes for short trips two miles or less.

For more information about TFK and to donate to the organization, please visit www.tripsforkids.org or call Marilyn Price at 415.458.2986.

Those who support TFK through the 2 Mile Challenge could help the organization earn up to $50,000 this year

San Rafael, CA - Trips for Kids (TFK) has earned $25,000 as one of the three bike-focused nonprofits Clif Bar & Company has selected to lead its 2 Mile Challenge, a program that encourages the public to bike instead of drive trips under two miles. The nonprofit team with the most supporters with the most miles traveled will win an additional $25,000.

"The CLIF BAR 2 Mile Challenge really motivates the public get on their bikes to fight climate change by translating their efforts into financial support for their favorite bike advocacy group," says Marilyn Price, Trips for Kids executive director. "This invitation to partner with CLIF BAR is a huge honor because bike advocacy and environmental protection are among Trips for Kids' fundamental goals."

Participants can help Trips for Kids win this additional funding by registering online for the 2 Mile Challenge, joining the Red Team to pedal for Trips for Kids and logging their miles traveled by bike before October 31, 2010.

"Forty percent of urban travel is less than two miles and about ninety percent of those trips are taken by car," says Ryan Mayo, brand experience manager of Clif Bar & Company. "We are thrilled to partner with Trips for Kids for the 2 Mile Challenge because, as an organization empowering youth to bike, it greatly influences the rising generation of bike and car commuters."

Register for the CLIF BAR 2 Mile Challenge to join the Red Team and pedal for Trips for Kids at www.2milechallenge.com. The Gold and Blue Teams will be pedaling for the Alliance for Bicycling & Walking and the Alliance for Climate Education, respectively.

For more information about TFK and to donate to the organization, please visit www.tripsforkids.org or call Marilyn Price at 415.458.2986.

Mountain bike pioneers and Bay Area Community members raise nearly $3,000 for Trips for Kids at the annual Brews, Bike and Bucks party

San Rafael, Calif. - Trips for Kids' annual Brews, Bikes and Bucks fundraiser held Sunday, February 21, attracted more mountain bike pioneers, along with dozens of Bay Area-based mountain bikers, than it has since its inception 12 years ago. The raffle ticket and drink sales along with the silent auction revenue brought in nearly $3,000 to support Trips for Kids' mission to take under-served youth around the world on mountain bike excursions.

Mountain bike superstars in attendance included Gary Fisher, Ned Overend, Juli Furtado, Joe Breeze, Scot Nicol, Otis Guy, Ross Shafer, Jacquie Phelan, Charles Kelly, Sky Yaeger, Steve Potts, Rich Sutton, Michael Kelley and Chris Lang.

"This event is such a great opportunity for the founders of mountain biking and mountain biking enthusiasts to gather and celebrate the sport," said Marilyn Price, Trips for Kids founder and director. "Many of the same people attend every year because the party is such a good time, but I think this year's Brews, Bikes and Bucks event was enormously successful because of the energy of the people there."

The donated raffle and silent auction prizes that helped make the fundraiser successful included a 2009 Jamis Bakar XC dual suspension bike and a 2010 Marin Bikes Alpine Trail 29er. Broken Drum Brewery, the annual venue host, added to the event's success by donating all of the Brews, Bikes and Bucks drink sales to TFK.

"I like donating my place to Trips for Kids because it is such a great locally based organization that gets kids out of the concrete jungle into nature," said Noah Berry, Broken Drum owner. "With Marilyn at the helm and all the great people, I can't imagine a better group to donate time and effort to."

To make a donation to Trips for Kids, please contact Marilyn Price at info@tripsforkids.org or 415.458.2986. More information about the organization can be found at www.tripsforkids.org.

Photo: Jon Suzuki

San Rafael, CA - Trips for Kids (TFK) proudly announces its annual "Brews, Bikes and Bucks" raffle event will take place Sunday, February 21, 2010 at the Broken Drum Brewery in San Rafael, Calif. from 2 pm to 6 pm.

Now in its twelfth year, this fundraising event has become an annual gathering of local mountain bike legends and a much anticipated tradition in Marin County. The local mountain biking legends likely to attend include Gary Fisher, Tom Ritchey, Joe Breeze, Ned Overend, Scott Nicol and Otis Guy.

Admission to the event is free and attendees are encouraged to arrive early to get their seating and food before the raffle begins. Bike-related prizes will be raffled throughout the afternoon, including the grand prize 2009 Jamis Dakar XC dual suspension mountain bike (retail value $1,025) donated by Jamis Bicycles. The silent auction will include items such as a 2010 Marin Bikes Alpine Trail 29er mountain bike (retail value $785).

The prize bikes are on display at the Broken Drum Brewery at 1132 Fourth Street in San Rafael, 415.456.4677, where advance raffle tickets are on sale. All proceeds from the event's food and drink sales will benefit Trips for Kids, thanks to the generosity of Broken Drum Owner, Noah Berry.

Advance raffle tickets are also available at the Trips for Kids' Re-Cyclery Thrift Shop located at 610 Fourth Street, San Rafael, Calif., open Tuesday through Friday, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Attendees can purchase tickets at event. Ticket holders do not need to be present to win.

For more information about the Brews, Bikes and Bucks event and Trips for Kids, please visit the Trips for Kids website, or call Marilyn Price at 415.458.2986.

Whether investing in a social bike program or providing a two-year capacity-building grant to Trips for Kids, which will go into supporting outreach to new and existing chapters, the New Belgium Brewing Company in Fort Collins, CO continues its support of the bicycling culture.  Then again, what would you expect from a company that has a bicycle in its logo.

San Rafael, CA - Trips for Kids (TFK) announced today that it has been selected to receive a $30,000, two-year capacity-building grant from New Belgium Brewing Company. The funds will allow TFK to provide more support to its chapters striving to get more low-income, at-risk children on mountain bike rides.

"This grant will help the national Trips for Kids organization continue outreach to its regional chapters and to potential chapters," said founding director Marilyn Price. "Both Trips for Kids and New Belgium Brewing Company share a love of mountain biking, and with New Belgium Brewing Company's help we can instill this love in more children."

With its grant from New Belgium Brewing Company, TFK will continue forming and strengthening partnerships with other national groups and developing strategic marketing and public relations plans that will help generate sponsorship and funding for regional chapters.

"New Belgium Brewing Company values the Trips for Kids mission and we want to see its programs expand, " said Kari Fletcher, New Belgium Brewing Company spokesperson. "Trips for Kids opens up the world of cycling to at-risk youth, and we are proud to be part of that endeavor."

More than 65,000 disadvantaged young people have participated in TFK's day-long cycling adventures that take them through nearby parks and outdoor recreation areas. In addition to vigorous outdoor activity, they also enjoy the encouragement of caring adults who teach them about the environment, the importance of healthy choices and satisfaction of accomplishing their goals.

Trips for Kids national organization will kick off this year's fundraising efforts in February at its 12th Annual Brews, Bikes and Bucks fundraising event Sunday, February 21, 2010, at the Broken Drum Brewery in San Rafael, Calif., from 2-6 p.m, with mountain bike pioneers among the guests, great raffle prizes and delicious refreshments.

For more information on Trips for Kids, please visit the TFK website or call Marilyn Price at 415.458.2986.

Trips for Kids works with Ladysmith-Hawkins School District to help establish a mountain bike riding program to benefit local children in the district

SAN RAFAEL, Calif. - Trips for Kids (TFK), a non-profit organization that uses mountain biking trips to promote self-confidence and environmental awareness among disadvantaged youth, today announced the establishment of its 68th chapter in Ladysmith, Wisconsin in conjunction with the Ladysmith-Hawkins School District. The Trips for Kids Ladysmith Chapter will serve the district's disadvantaged youth.

"Working directly with a school district enables a chapter to connect immediately with kids who can benefit from the program. It also instantly establishes Trips for Kids as a community-based youth development resource," says Marilyn Price, TFK founder and director.

Price continued, "Since bicycles and kids are a natural match, young people can be more open to learning when bikes are involved. An ultimate goal would be to integrate bicycling into the physical education departments of schools throughout the country."

The TFK chapters in Trinidad, Calif. and Pueblo Pintado, N.M. are also associated with their local school district and TFK Triangle in Durham, N.C. regularly works with its local middle schools. The TFK chapter-school relationships allow students multiple opportunities to participate in the TFK rides and reinforce their relationship with the organization.

The TFK chapters formed in conjunction with a school have found that it is easier to reach some students on the trail than it is in the classroom. Students at schools affiliated with TFK have improved behavior, attendance and relationships with their teachers.

Matt Bunton, president of the Ladysmith TFK chapter, said, "The effort to involve the students in Trips for Kids will ultimately increase their ownership of their school and further their academic and social development. As they participate in this program, the students will learn how to successfully conquer challenges on the trail and in other areas of their life."

More than 50,000 disadvantaged young people have participated in TFK's day-long cycling adventures that take them through nearby parks and outdoor recreation areas. In addition to vigorous outdoor activity, they also enjoy the encouragement of caring adults who teach them about the environment, the importance of healthy choices and satisfaction of accomplishing their goals.