Race For Grace in the Hotter ‘n Hell 100

BY DR. JEANNINE HATT
Waples Memorial UMC, Denison

Are you a cyclist who lives to ride? Would you like to help some of the neediest kids in our
hemisphere receive health care?

Then we invite you to join the ‘Race for Grace’ (R4G) as we ride for Grace Children’s Hospital (GCH) and International Child Care (ICC) in the “2009 Hotter ‘n Hell Hundred” on August 29 in Wichita Falls.

The “Hotter ‘n Hell Hundred” (HH100) is one of the oldest and largest cycling events in the country and each year attracts over 10,000 cyclists. All levels of riders can participate as thereare route distances varying from 10 to 100 miles. However, the ride can be challenging because, as we all know, the summer Texas heat peaks in August and the winds in westTexas are unpredictable.

So, what does ‘Hotter ‘n Hell have to do with Race for Grace?

Two years ago, the Board of Directors and Staff of International Child Care USA sought permission from the HH100 committee in Wichita Falls to establish a fundraising cycling team to ride in the HH100. The team’s mission was to raise money for Grace Children’s Hospital in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

Haiti is the poorest country in our hemisphere and has the highest infant and child mortality
rates in the Americas.

Grace Children’s Hospital’s humble beginning was 40 years ago when a United Methodist couple opened a small clinic for the children on the streets of Haiti they saw dying withtuberculosis. The hospital has now grown into a large complex with both inpatient and out-patient services for children with tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, malnutrition and other serious illnesses.

Its supporting organization ICC also offers specialized care services for adults and has expanded with health programs throughout Haiti and into the poor communities of the Dominican Republic. ICC’s programs include three United Methodist Advances, one of which is GCH.

The HH100 committee, hearing the compelling story of ICC and GCH, gave the organization the green light and the Race for Grace was established. In 2007, a group of about 15 enthusiastic cyclists from about 6 churches was put together. Most were members of NTC UM churches and that fi rst year the team was able to raise over $27,000.

This year will be the third Race for Grace and we Dowant this ride to grow in its capacity to raise the needed resources for restoring health and hope to these children.

We would like to encourage participation from more UM congregations, especially those in the NTC. Each cyclist is asked to seek out sponsorships and to raise a minimum of $100. In return, the cyclist not only is able to participate in an exciting athletic event while supporting a great cause, but is provided housing, a special lunch for the team at the rides completion, an ICC water bottle, a Haitian flag bandana and more!

This is a mission outreach opportunity worthy of the consideration for every church. The dream is that every church in the NTC would sponsor a cyclist who would participate as a member of the Race for Grace team. There are now commitments from Waples Memorial UMC, Denison, and First UMC, McKinney, and support from First UMC, Sherman; Lakeway UMC, Pottsboro; Grace UMC, Sherman; Trinity UMC, Denison, First UMC, Bonham, and others.

In addition to UM laity, several clergy team members, including Rev. Mike Nichols of Waples UMC and his wife, Janice; Dr. Ellen Palmer, wife of Rev. Jim Palmer, and Rev. Doug Fox, both of First UMC, McKinney, and a few others are seriously considering the challenge.

Please go to www.hh100.org to register for the HH100 and website: www.intlchildcare.org for directions on how to join the “Race For Grace” and direct sponsorships.