We Think wendy Can

Support Wendy's Bike Commute Campaign while helping homeless youth

wendy todd

Support wendy's Campaign!

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The total I've raised pays for:
  • 3 years of support
  • and 2 birthday gifts
  • and 1 meal for a client

Donations

NameAmountLocationDate
Kristina Gelardi, Friend$25San Francisco, CA03/01/2011
Wendy, you are a rockstar and an adventurer and I'm excited to support your efforts to contribute to an amazing organization. Go get 'em lady!
Myra Chow, Friend$50Mill Valley, CA03/01/2011
WAY TO GO WENDY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rachel Todd, Sister$25Worcester, MA03/02/2011
GO WENDY!!! YOU ROCK!!!
Fred Silverman, Friend$50San Francisco, CA03/02/2011
Go, Wendy! I am looking outside at the rain and wish you the best!!
Susan Cady, Friend$25Fairfax, CA03/02/2011
Good work, Wendy! You're an inspiration.
Jason Watkins$50San Rafael, CA03/02/2011
It was a cold rainy morning today and you got out there with a smile! Keep it up sweeeeetieeee!
Elizabeth Brown , Colleague$50San Francisco, CA03/02/2011
Wendy, What a great win-win for you and for ATC! Does this mean that you actually rode your bike today??? Way to go. Beth
Cristin Brew, Friend$50Fairfax, CA03/02/2011
I KNOW you can!
Raffi Aghapekian, Friend$25Oakland, CA03/02/2011
Go Wendy!
Erin Dalbec, Friend$25Cambridge, MA03/03/2011
Much love to you sister!! Looking forward to seeing you soon. xo
Katie DeClercq, BFFs$50Soquel, CA03/03/2011
Go Wheezy! Love, Datie
Melinda Napolitano$25Auburn, MA03/06/2011
YOU ROCK my Daughter...I not only think you can = I KNOW YOU CAN. Looking forward to your stories. Loving you MA
Andrea Michelsen, Friend$100Healdsburg, CA03/07/2011
You go, Wendy! Looking forward to hearing about the adventure.
Campaign Happy Hour $20, 03/07/2011
Ami Ehrlich, Friend$50San Francisco, CA03/07/2011
As always, you are an inspiration. I will be thinking about you every morning and evening, as well as those people you are riding for. I love you. Ami
Bobbe Rockoff, $100San Rafael, CA03/08/2011
Go Wendy!!!
samuel brasch, Friend$50Portola Valley, CA03/08/2011
good luck. just make sure to ride with the wind and avoid the rain drops. alicia and sam
Carolyn B Burton, Friend$50Jamaica Plain, MA03/08/2011
GO WENDY! I am so inspired by you and your biking prowess and commitment. When you're up super early and being buffetted by the winds while others are still snoozing, we'll be thinking of you!
Ana Bagtas, Friend$25alameda, CA03/09/2011
You go, girl!
Elizabeth Linde, Friend$25Sebastopol, CA03/11/2011
Way to go Wendy. You're inspiring all of us. Liz
Jonathon Gurish, Friend$25San Rafael, CA03/12/2011
Go Wendy. I am so glad you are taking this issue personally and moving to do something about homelessness. You're great!
Caroline Jensen, Friend$25San Rafael, CA03/15/2011
You're amazing- ride the wind!
Megan DeGraeve$25Corte Madera, CA03/15/2011
You are like the little red engine that could....and a true inspiration!
Beverlee Kell, colleague$50tiburon, CA03/15/2011
Wendy, thank you for all you do to help people with brain disorders (inheirited, not chosen). Bless you. Beverlee
Mary Shaw, Friend$100San Francisco, CA03/16/2011
We're so proud of you, Wendy! Keep up the great work. -K&M
Patricia Mintz, Friend$50Oakland, CA03/16/2011
Congratulations, Wendy, for your commitment. Have a very successful ride.
Karrie Amsler, Friend$50Stanford, CA03/16/2011
You are a woman of action Wendy! I'm so proud of you, especially in the rain and cold. Keep it up!
Ariel Vigo, Friend$50Sausalito, CA03/16/2011
Go Wendy go!! - Ariel & Jeremy
Virginia Amsler, Karrie's mom$50Bokeelia, CA03/16/2011
My daughter Karrie told me about what you are doing. Thank you for letting me be part of your effort (and for not making me ride a bike) Ginny
Molly Kron, Friend/Colleague$25Novato, CA03/16/2011
You inspire me everyday!
Amy Reisch, Friend$25San Anselmo, CA03/16/2011
Kathleen Harris, Friend$50Oakland, CA03/16/2011
Ride, Wendy, Ride!
Donald Jen, Colleague$50Berkeley, CA03/16/2011
Jonathan Todd, Cuz$50San Francisco, CA03/16/2011
As usual, kicking butt and taking names. Keep it up!
Felix Baltazar, Friend$50Oakland, CA03/17/2011
Paying it forward, thanks! Peggy
Dee Dee Nguyen, Friend$25San Francisco, CA03/17/2011
Nancy Friedman, Friend$50Alameda, CA03/19/2011
Keep up the riding, so proud of you! Nancy
Adam Wolff, Pal$50Brooklyn, NY03/21/2011
Ride for me on my birthday! Or the day after! I heard the rain might be making this challenge extra tough. How's it going?
Deborah Terrill, Friend$25Novato , CA03/22/2011
Wendy - you are amazing! May the weather improve for your last week and a half - Deb
William Todd, Dad$50New Hartford, NY03/23/2011
So Proud
Nikki S Collins, Co-worker$50Mill Valley, CA03/24/2011
I have been procrastinating on making this donation just because of being 'too busy' - but you rode your bike this morning, in this blinding rain - had to make supporting you and At The Crossroads a priority. Way to go, Wendy!
Doriann Briggs, Cousin$25Fishkill, NY03/24/2011
Way to go Wendy! Keep up your good work. You are such an inspiration. Love, Tom, Dori and Maddy :)
sarah watkins, MIL$100mill valley, CA03/24/2011
You are a woman warrior -- we are so proud of you! Begone, winter storms!
Anonymous, Friend$10003/24/2011
to get you over the hump...
Elizabeth Tempesta, Friend$100Cambridge, MA03/25/2011
Marc Rand, Friend$25San Francisco, CA03/25/2011
Anyone that rides in yesterday's weather is totally committed to this cause. Wendy, I applaude your efforts. Thank you for taking this on.
Bobbie Wunsch, Friend$50San Anselmo, CA03/25/2011
Ben Fong-Torres, In-laws$88San Francisco, CA03/25/2011
88 is a lucky number. Go, Wendy! -- Dianne & Ben
Ellen Blonder, Friend$50Mill Valley, CA03/25/2011
Admirable, Wendy! Best wishes.
Linda Reiff, Friend/Colleague$25vallejo, CA03/25/2011
Wendy, you are absolutely amazing. Thnask for making me stop and think:) Linda
Adrienne Baumann, Friend$25Petaluma, CA03/25/2011
The novelty may be over, but you are almost DONE! Here's a little incentive for the last leg of your two-wheeled journey! (and a new mantra: I THOUGHT I COULD! I THOUGHT I COULD!
Brenda Solorzano, Friend$75San Carlos, CA03/26/2011
You're just awesome Wendy! Had to be the rainiest March ever too!
lea watkins, Friend$50san rafael , CA03/27/2011
you rock!
antonio villanueva, Friend$25lake forest, CA03/28/2011
You kick ass :-) thank you for being you :-)
Kym Orr, Friend$25Tempe, AZ03/30/2011
Thomas Michelsen, Friend$100Owensville, IN03/31/2011
Keep it going!
Sara Malan, Friend$25Oakland, CA03/31/2011
Suzanne Chen-Harding, Friend$25San Francisco, CA03/31/2011
You did it, Wen! You are an inspiration to us all...congrats!
Terri Ewing, Friend$50Rohnert Park, CA03/31/2011
Wow,Wendy - you rock! When we talked the other day, I thought you were just doing the month-long "ride to work" for your own gratification and health. You didn't mention the great work you're supporting. I am delighted to sponsor such a special woman for this outstanding cause. Go Wendy!! Hugs, Terri
Shirin Vakharia, Colleague$25Napa, CA03/31/2011
Wendy You are a rock star. Many days in March I looked out the window and complained about walking to my car in my parking lot at home and then having to walk from our parking lot to the office. I am so inspired --all I can say is I Knew You Would!
Diane DeMarlie, Friend$25Fairfax, CA03/31/2011
Congratulations, Wendy. What an inspirational ride! Dine
Vember Conner, Friend$25San Francisco, CA03/31/2011
You are my hero!
AnnMarie Napolitano, Cousin$25woodbury, CT03/31/2011
Way to go cuz!!!! you are amazing :)
Annamaria Exarchos$25Walnut Creek, CA03/31/2011
So super impressed and inspired by you Wen. I love reading about your experience with this and why you're doing it. You're just amazing.
PATRICIA DANGELO, Friend$20EL SOBRANTE, CA04/01/2011
Matt Ullakko, Friend$25Los Angeles, CA04/01/2011
Way to go Wendy!
Bruce Garganus$55Berkeley, CA04/01/2011
Laura Ballard, Friend$25San Rafael, CA04/04/2011
You're awesome! Now, I get into my car and I just feel so lazy... Thank you for doing this.
Angie Renfro, Friend$15Chicago, IL04/23/2011
You are an inspirational human being. Thank you for caring enough to take on this challenge.
Devra Nanes, Friend$25San Francisco, CA05/09/2011
I knew you could! It's way past the month of March and you've way surpassed your fundraising goal! You're awesome!

Goal

My goal is to ride my bike (aka The Rig) between my home and work every day in March. My commute time will double - it will take about an hour to ride the 13 mile round trip. The tougher part of this campaign will be huffing it around Marin during the day to get to meetings out of the office (and managing the sweat and helmet head!).

There will be moments when this campaign will feel like a bad idea; in the mornings when it is raining and the dark streets are uninviting, in the evenings when the logistical planning for the next day is overwhelming, and all those times when I run into unforeseeable glitches. But I will keep it in perspective. These challenges, after all, are so very minor compared to what young people are dealing with while living on the streets.

Your donation will help cheer me on - especially on those days when this campaign feels like an extremely inconvenient, somewhat unsafe, time-sucking, pain in the ass! Let's work together to help youth find their way off the streets.

I chose this goal because

I am a very casual bike commuter. I choose to venture out ONLY when the weather is nice, when I am not in a rush, when it is convenient for me. I often leave my house when most people who live in houses are still sleeping and many people living on the streets are looking through the trash to break the fast. When I ride by abandoned tents or human-filled sleeping bags, I am reminded how fortunate I am to be healthy and housed. I also contemplate how it is that we live in one of the most affluent regions of the entire world with families living out of cars, tents, and under bridges.

There are many reasons why I chose this goal: because I am fortunate enough that I could, because it will connect me to homelessness in a new way, because it is when I am out of my comfort zone when I am truly living. BUT the most important reason is to give YOU a very easy and pain-free way to contribute to a critical non-profit organization, At The Crossroads.

I'm helping because

I work in the field of philanthropy and go to many fundraising events. By far, At The Crossroads, put on one of the most innovative and inspiring events I have ever attended. Their "I Think I Can Campaign" is a brilliant strategy for raising money and awareness for their organization. I am honored to be a part of such a genius effort and contributing to such gut-wrenching work.

About At The Crossroads

ATC walks the streets of San Francisco, reaching out to homeless youth and young adults on their turf. We work with young people who others have given up on, who would not get help without us. Since we started 13 years ago, we have worked with more than 5,000 youth, helping them build outstanding lives.

Updates

Posted by wendy on 03/31/2011

One more ride

The bittersweet end is near.

My Bike Commute Campaign has been an incredible experience...

I am amazed by the outpouring of generousity and endless cheers from friends, family, co-workers, and even strangers.

I found out I don't melt when caught up in powerful rain storms.

I became appreciative of things I once took for granted.

And the list is endless.

When I ride home tonight I will feel proud of the money we raised and hopeful that just a few more donations will trickle in over the next couple of days to get us over the $3,000 mark.

Thank you for your interest and your support. You have meant the world to me and to homeless youth in San Francisco over this past month!

Jason wrote:

Congrats Sweetie!! It was impressive watching you get out of bed in the dark to prep your gear and ride away. I only heard you complain once during your pretrip--and that was when the big storm hit...and it was only a little complaint. Thanks for sharing your experience through this blog, you are truly the best.

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Posted by wendy on 03/28/2011

Everything is so much better under blue sky.

Bruce wrote:

absolutely

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Posted by wendy on 03/24/2011

Use it before you lose it.

Slept in til 7 this morning and laid in bed for another half hour after the alarm, listening to the major rain and wind storm. This is a big one. I needed that half hour to get myself mentally prepared to ride in these wicked elements. I convinced myself I would ride super fast to work and would barely notice what was going on around me. Jason armed me with heavy duty rain pants and told me to have fun. I referred him to my blog post from yesterday and noted it was titled "the novelty has worn off". before I set out I got a text from my mom telling me that my step-grandfather passed away last night. He made it through by-pass surgery and then in recovery his body broke down. May Herb Schmidt rest in peace.

I finally headed out to work. I would make up for the lost time sleeping in, procrastinating, and checking in with my family by a full out sprint to work. That would be the only way to manage the overstuffed puddles and frenetic drivers. On the first uphill, there was a lull in the gushing sound of the cars and I caught the sound of my heavy breathing. I found my rhythm and pushed up a little harder. Then I felt my heart beating. In a very big way. And I thought of Herb's heart no longer beating. And just like that, gratitude washed over me. The rest of my way through the shit storm, I focused on how great it is to have a healthy heart! And because I have it, I should use it to its fullest. We all should. I hope you find some sort of activity that gets your heart beating strong and reminds you how good it is to be alive!

p.s. If you ever think it is a good idea to put your socked feet into plastic bags before putting on your shoes to ride through massive puddles, it is not! Turns out the water splashes up into the bags and remains trapped there, making your feet extremely heavy and difficult to effectively serve their purpose.

p.s.s. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HELPED ME REACH MY GOAL OF RAISING $2,000. YOUR SUPPORT MEANS A LOT OT ME AND TO ATC. With one more week left, maybe we can get to $3,000. Please forward the opportunity to give far and wide!

Liz wrote:

I forgot to write a comment in my donation soooooo Good luck and have fun. Can't wait to see you in May! :)

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Posted by wendy on 03/23/2011

The novelty has worn off.

That was the de-motivating mantra stuck in my head this morning. A dark, wet, cold morning. Which were the same conditions exactly 12 hours ago when I rode home from work. The first couple of times I rode in the rain for this campaign it was actually kind of fun and exhilirating. A novelty. Fast forward a few weeks and some stormy days, with a wet forecast, the feeling has shifted. But there is light at the end of my tunnel - I only have 6 more days to go. 12 trips. And with that thought I made it to and from work today. The end is in sight.

I imagine the same might be true for kids living on the street. The first few nights out she may feel exhilirated and powerful...she got out of a bad situation at home. And then the novelty wears off.

Rob wrote:

I love your honesty and thoughtfulness. Good luck making it through these last few days. We are so grateful for your amazing effort.

The rainy days are the worst for ATC's clients. Sometimes, when we are on outreach, after getting rained on for 2-3 hours, it can feel pretty miserable. But then we get to go home, put on warm clothes, get into a comfortable bed, take a shower, eat a warming meal, etc. Whereas most of our clients stay cold, wet, and miserable, with no respite or rest. It makes me incredibly grateful for the things I have, that I used to take for granted.

Thanks for working so hard to raise support to help these youth get off the streets and out of the rain!

Johnny wrote:

Incredibly awesome.

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Posted by wendy on 03/22/2011

Day ? (I've lost track)

Shout out to MCBC

Everyday my commute is possible because of a small non-profit organization with big ideas and even bigger actions. Marin County Bike Coalition has successfully advocated for more and better bike paths and lanes throughout Marin for many years. MCBC's most recent victory is the Lincoln Bike Path (in this photo). Every time I ride this amazingly smooth, safe, and efficient bike path I am filled with gratitude for the dynamic and effective leadership of MCBC and all the members/donors who support the organization. Without their work kids would not be able to ride their bikes to school, roadies would clog the streets even more than they already do, and I wouldn't be able to raise $2,000 for youth living on the streets! Thank you MCBC staff and supporters. Ride on!

jason wrote:

Yes!!! MCBC is kicking major butt in Marin. I wish they could extend their influence to expand the Bay Trail in the East Bay.

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Posted by wendy on 03/15/2011

Day 11 A picture is worth a thousand words.

And the picture my husband took of me while we both set out on our commutes yesterday (see Day 10 post) says:

"Wendy is engaging in risky behavior, wearing street/sky colored apparel, blowing stop signs, in the land of SUV drivers, who break side street speed limits while talking on phones and yelling at the kids in back seat. A recipe for disaster!"

Today, I did my part and wore a brightly colored jacket. I hope the Marinite drivers do their part and slow down, get off the phone, and make their kids walk/ride to school.

commuter wrote:

Wow, look at how visible you are!!! You should have a sign on your back about your campaign!

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Posted by wendy on 03/14/2011

Day 10

Daylight savings made it real tough to get up and out this morning.

Roamer wrote:

It\\\'s amazing what happens when we lose an hour and get back to real time. Just think how happy you will be after work when the sky is still bright.

twizzler wrote:

Actually, it isn't real time. It is daylight savings time. Go Wendy!!!!

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Posted by wendy on 03/13/2011

Day 9 was Friday 3/11/11. As Japan was slammed with a deadly Tsunami and our nearby neighbors in Santa Cruz braced for destructive waves, I rode to work alongside seven boys on their way to school. In our little piece of the world the day was beautiful and full of promise. I wish the natural disasters would let up...there seems to be too many, too often.

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Posted by wendy on 03/09/2011

Day 7

If you say it enough times, it becomes true.

Turns out there are quite a few people enjoying the great outdoors at 7:00am. Every morning I cruise by the same couple walking their dogs, the crossing guard, the homeless man, the kid scootering to school. And there's always that older guy in fluorescent who whizzes by me. I say "Good Morning" to about 10 people on my commute to work. And by the time I get to work I am convinced it actually is a good morning.

Jason wrote:

I wish I could say good morning to all the people I see too! You are so lucky to be out there in the fresh air, keep it up

wendy wrote:

You could start waving to all the people sitting in traffic with you on 880. Or go for a walk in the morning before you get in the car. You could be \'lucky\' to if you choose to be!

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Posted by wendy on 03/07/2011

Day 5 - I was worried about the rain, dark, cold...what I got was the wind...in every direction.

Alison wrote:

Wendy - you're doing a great job! Congratulations on a successful first week, and I wish you the best for the weeks to come. ATC is cheering you on!

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Posted by wendy on 03/05/2011

Saturday - Day off.

I woke up this morning in a bit of a panic that I had not prepared for the ride to work. And then I thankfully realized there was no ride to work.

The first 4 days went very well...especially since I raised almost one quarter of my goal! Thank you to everyone who jumped on my band wagon, right out the gate. Your support and belief in me to accomplish my goals really helps me move forward (figuratively and literally!). I am also thankful for all the interest and good cheer my colleagues have expressed throughout the week. Who knew that showing up to meetings in bike gear would be such a conversation starter.

I hear cold rainy days lie ahead. I am mentally prepared and geared up, fender and all. I know ATC staff will weather the storm as well - helping kids on the street find their path to warm, dry, safe places.

The pix posted is referenced in my Day 1 post.

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Posted by wendy on 03/02/2011

Day 2 - I set out in the pouring rain today. While I am generally anti-plastic (water bottles, bags, etc.), I became obssessed and overpowered with appreciaiton for a glorious piece of plastic on my bike this morning. My front fender allowed me to blow through puddles with my eyes open.

Carly wrote:

Great job, Wendy! I am super proud of you. My friend who is a religious biker commuter swears by the plastic back fender she has made from a gallon milk jug...You may already have a back fender but just sayin...

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Posted by wendy on 03/01/2011

March 1st...Day 1...I am very excited about this campaign! All went well today with the commute. At the end of the day, I stopped by a ribbon-cutting event in my bike gear, snot dripping, and sweaty...but that didn't stop someone from asking for a photo with me and my colleagues in suits. An on-looker noted the helmet head as the photographer said "smile". I used the somewhat awkward opportunity to promote my Bike Commute Campaign and ATC.

emily Gleason wrote:

What an awesome idea, WEndy. I love this and I can't wait to follow your blog (go helmet head! :)You rock. THank you for doing this. :) em

Rachel wrote:

Great job Wendy. I am inspired once again by you and am thankful for your help and generosity in something that needs our attention now.

Kate wrote:

Go Wendy go! I'm so proud of you for jumping in on this cause. You can do it!

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