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Attention Team TURTLE and associated bikeROCKstars!!!!

In our SECOND year as a non-profit foundation, we’ve seen our two scholarship recipients embark on their respective pathways to success, promoted two Colorado events (with many spin-offs in other parts of the country and overseas), created a couple of sold-out t-shirt orders, and brought people together across diverse “TURTLE WORLDS.”

bikeROCKstar Scholarship
Geneway Tang represented the United States at the Track World Championships in Saint Quentin En Yvelines, France, and also the Pan American Championships, Lima Peru

Lt Col Theodore TURTLE Wilson Falcon Scholarship
Our first yearly scholarship was awarded to a young minority from West Virginia who is attending Northwestern Preparatory School, California. This school has a long history of camaraderie and their preppies are very successful at the Academy and in active duty.

Gwenn and Cecile met with Falcon Foundation President, Steve Lorenz, General, USAF (ret) to receive a copy of the certificate that was awarded to the 2022 TURTLE Effect Foundation US Air Force Academy scholarship recipient

A quote from the Thank You letter from our Falcon Scholar:
“Lt Col Theodore ‘TURTLE’ Wilson not only embodied my definition of leadership through propelling those around him into success, but also brought the spirits of those around him to unparalleled heights. This scholarship has provided me the opportunity to chase my dreams of positively impacting those around me, as well as, influencing others into shattering their own limits and being the best versions of themselves.
I have become better prepared for my future in its entirety, including my time at the United States Air Force Academy.”

Air Force Academy Foundation Memorial Gift
“A gift was made in memory of Lt Col (Ret) Theodore D. Wilson ’90 from Col (Ret) Jerry J. Updegraff ’90. This contribution supporting the Class of ’90 30th Reunion Project Fund at the United States Air Force Academy is especially meaningful (Davis Airfield Display, in honor of Gen. Benjamin O. Davis Jr., a Tuskegee Airman and World War II pilot).
The Air Force Academy Foundation has a tradition of honoring graduates and friends of the Long Blue Line… This memorial gift is very significant; it will have a direct impact on the future strength and leadership of the United States Air and Space Forces.”

As for EVENTS, this is where the MAGIC happens, where Turtle’s LAUGH can be heard and HUGS abound!

OFF THE CHAIN Bike Lane Brewery ride, Reston VA
May brings flowers and yes, lots of beer drinking amongst the many friends of Turtle, a “local LEGEND” at The Bike Lane in Reston. Head over there for a beer during HAPPY HOUR on February 17th, 2023 where 10% of the night’s beer proceeds go towards the foundation’s scholarships!

#LiveOutLoud Memorial Ride, Colorado Springs CO
This October event was very successful as we had members of several cycling teams coming together (Hammer Racing, Brian’s House of Pain [BriHop], and COS Racing) for gravel and mountain bike rides, as well as rides happening in other places like Pennsylvania (South Mountain Cafe Racing Team).

The Manitou TURTLE-cline Challenge “Slow and Steady Climbing Turtle” December event was a huge SUCCESS! Many layers of TURTLE shells were worn, peeled off, reattached… accompanied by laughter, celebration, and TURTLE hugs. Well worth a few sore quads and hamstrings the following day.

The most INSPIRING event of the day and perhaps entire year was Rebecca who, having just recovered from leukemia can be seen here cresting the summit. Way to ROCK IT Rebecca!!

MERCHANDISE
Last but not least, several TURTLE shirts were created and sold out. If you see any that you absolutely MUST HAVE (or your dog must have), take a look at a few of our friends modeling them below and send us a note, we’ll see about getting that store reopened!

BUT THAT’S NOT ALL!

If you see a TURTLE on the top of Machu Picchu, he had help getting there!

Sincere TURTLE HUGS to ALL of you who have MADE THIS YEAR HAPPEN!

 

Gwenn “ZEN“: President
Todd “H.T.“: Vice President in charge of bikeROCKstar scholarship
Amanda: TEF Attorney
Cecile “BADGER“: Project Manager
Jenette “JDub“: Content Creator and Designer
Ashley: Social Media and Events CZAR
Patrice “#CoyoteMadness“: FUNdraising

 

 

Friends that helped MAKE 2022 HAPPEN:
Vie13; The Bike Lane/The Bike Lane Brewery; Elevation Wheel Company; Hammer Racing Team; BriHop Coaching; Kyle Coaching; COS Racing; SRAM; Foster Swift Collins & Smith PC; Bullseye Media; Evolution Cycling; Bison Velo; Carpe Diem Coaching; Edge Racing Team; Valley Preferred Cycling Center (aka t’town)