Hello!

It is a privilege to participate in the Habitat 500 this year. For twenty years riders. volunteers and faithful sponsors have been raising awarness and funds to help our neighbors in need with affordable housing opportunities throughout the state. Please consider joining me in this great cause!

Why do I ride 500 miles in seven days you ask? Well, it isn't for the sore knees, long hot days, or living out of a tent for a week. Though the above described challenge is apealing at some level, the primary reason for participating in the Habitat 500 is to raise funds and awareness for Habitat for Humanity.

This page is dedicated to raising funds for Habitat for Humanity of Minnesota. The staff of this organization works tirelessly to support the 32 Habitat affiliates across the state in their efforts to serve families at the local level. As a board member of this organization, it is a pleasure to help support these state wide efforts to improve the lives our our neighbors in need of a simple, decent and affordable home by raising funds and awarness through this bike ride event.

Habitat for Humanity of Minnesota supports affiliates through:

• raising funds for grants which local affiliates can apply for (most of which are tied to building green!)
• training opportunities offered by mini conferences as well as a state wide Habitat conference
• supporting Habitat affiliates fundraising efforts
• green building advise
• local capacity building support given by the AmeriCorps VISTA program
• their willing and helpful spirit as they work with affiliates to lend their expertise on a daily basis

Habitat for Humanity of Minnesota impacts the level and quality of service which local affiliates can provide to families across the state. This is definitely a worthy organization and effort to support.

That is why I am riding in the Habitat 500, to help support those who so generously support those who are building with families in need. (Wow, that is a mouth full isn't it?)

Most people are waiting for a brave soul to ask them to give to a worthy cause. Well, I don't know how brave I am but I do want to give you the opportunity to support Habitat for Humanity of Minnesota if you haven't had the chance to do so yet!

Please consider a giving a tax-deductible donation to Habitat for Humanity of Minnesota to sponsor me on the Habitat 500 this year.

Thanks so much for your support, thoughts and prayers as I embark on this journey July 15th -July 21st.

Sincerely,

Nathan Thompson

Habitat for Humanity of Minnesota board member

Habitat 500 rider