When Bill retired from corporate life in 2002, he made a list of several personal goals he wished to achieve. One of those goals was to complete a long bike ride--one that would take him across the whole of the contiguous United States.

In 2004, as Bill retired from the American Lung Association of Minnesota Board of Directors, he decided to begin the journey to achieve this life goal and to add to that goal by making it a fundraising event for the American Lung Association. Raising funds for the American Lung Association allowed him the opportunity to continue to improve the lives of many Americans by giving them the gift of "breathing easier".

Bill made the decision to achieve the goal in two parts. In June, 2004, he and his biking buddy, Bill Melton, set out on the first part of that journey beginning in Seattle and ending in Annandale, Minnesota. They succeeded in making their trip and Bill succeeded in raising almost $12,000 for the American Lung Association. It is a remarkable success story

Because of an injury, Bill was not able to complete his journey across the U.S. in 2005 yet he never lost sight of the goal. On June 4, 2006, he and his biking partner, Bill will complete their goals as they begin their journey here in Minneapolis and complete the second part of the ride in Bar Harbor, Maine.

Once again, Bill is making this lifetime goal a fundraising event for the American Lung Association of Minnesota. When he started his journey in 2004, many friends, family and colleagues pledged for the entire ride. Some have completed the entire pledge and some have outstanding pledges. If you are one of those individuals who made your pledge in two parts, we hope you are able to complete it at this time. If you are not sure of the status of your pledge, contact fran.oberreit@alamn.org and she will provide you with that information.

If you did not pledge to Bill on his first part of the ride and would like to make a pledge at this time,
please click here. Bill's investment management business, Lakeview Investment Advisors (www.lakeviewadvisors.net) will again match a portion of each pledge received.

Thank you for helping Bill to help millions of Americans breathe a little easier.