The “Gears for Good” RAAM All-Female Cycling Team Set to Make history!
/FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The “Gears for Good” Race Across America (RAAM) Team makes historic debut as First Polk County Representatives in the “World’s toughest bicycling race.”
Polk County, January, 11, 2024 — The “Gears for Good” Race Across America all-female cycling team is set to make history as the inaugural representatives from Polk County in the renowned Race Across America (RAAM) and it’s to support local nonprofit, Top Buttons. For over four decades, RAAM has stood as an unparalleled test of ultra-cyclists' physical endurance and mental fortitude on a journey spanning more than 3,000 miles and 12 states, from Oceanside, California, to the finish line in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Scheduled to begin on Saturday, June 15th, 2024, this epic challenge must be completed within 8 days, during which the Top Buttons RAAM Team will race a staggering 3,000 miles and ascend 175,000 feet in elevation.
The “Gears for Good” RAAM Team is not merely pursuing this extraordinary feat for sport; they are riding with a mission to spotlight the needs of young women facing at-risk and vulnerable situations. Top Buttons, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to building self-worth in young women through mentorship, education, and fashion, aims to empower these individuals with essential resources for their journey to be transformed.
ABOUT TOP BUTTONS
Founded on the principles of mentorship, education, and fashion, Top Buttons operates as a 501(c)3 non-profit committed to instilling self-worth in young women. With a focus on mentorship programs, life skills education, and the provision of hygiene and clothing resources, Top Buttons impacts the lives of over 500 young women facing at-risk situations annually. The organization currently has four brick-and-mortar locations in Polk County, including three Thrift Boutique and Beauty Bars, along with Plum Boutique, through which they facilitate their programs and Top Buttons offers the opportunity for affiliate locations to launch in communities nationwide. Their St. Pete Affiliate location will open in the Spring of 2024.
Services provided by Top Buttons cater to young women aged 11-25, including those rescued from human trafficking, individuals with special needs, those in foster care, victims of domestic violence, single mothers, and those facing low income or limited resources.
WHY RAAM
Sarah Powers, the founder and CEO of Top Buttons, has passionately embraced merging her love of cycling with her desire to increase the nonprofits impact on the local community. Her commitment to promoting women's empowerment and increasing female representation in cycling spurred the formation of the “Gears for Good” RAAM Team.
Joined by local female cycling enthusiasts, who share a love for both cycling and the cause championed by Top Buttons, the Gears for Good team aims to raise awareness and funds for the organization's vital programs. The team’s riders are Sarah Powers, Jackie Harrison, Kristin Swinburne, and Kristen Coker. This historic journey across the United States serves as a symbol of determination, resilience, and a collective effort to support young women in their pursuit of transformation.
To learn more about the “Gears for Good” Race Across America (RAAM) Team, or how to get involved please visit us online at www.raamg4g.com for more information. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram @gearsforgood to stay up to date oh the team’s training as they prepare for Race Across America.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Cassie Brown at Cassie@TopButtons.org