My journey has begun! Follow my updates at https://anikaraffle.com/ride-for-rte/

Dear Friends,

Wow, you all are amazing! I already hit my first goal to fully fund an RTE scholar to go to college next year, so I’m doubling my goal with the hopes to help two of my classmates go to college. More below:

Next month I'm planning to ride my bicycle 350 miles (and 21,624' climbing!) from Palo Alto to Cayucos, California to help raise money for Rise Together Education. RTE is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization helping Palo Alto High School grads from low-income families get TO and THROUGH college.

Rise Together is currently supporting 50 amazing college students who are 85% first-generation college and BIPOC, and an amazing 80% of RTE scholars finish their 4-year degree, flipping the statistics for underserved communities. I already serve as a student representative to RTE and if I hit my fundraising target — $20 per mile — I'll be able to fully fund TWO scholarships for two four-year RTE college students next year. I’d feel proud to be able to help two of my classmates in this way.

If you want to support my efforts with a donation, I’d be so grateful. Definitely don't feel any pressure! Also, if you know anybody who you think would like to know about my ride, please send this to them.