University of Central Florida senior Kathleen Gaeta will spend her summer participating in Bike & Build, a national nonprofit that raises money and awareness for affordable housing.
“I’ve always been passionate about volunteering,” Gaeta said. “Plus, cycling is in my family genes, and all that combined to be the perfect experience and charity ride for me.”
“I’m really looking forward to riding through the middle of nowhere,” Gaeta said. “We’re cycling to very hard to reach places and I’m excited to see the places in America that I normally wouldn’t get to see.”
Since signing up to participate in Bike & Build, Gaeta has raised $2,345 for the organization, just over half of her $4,500 fundraising goal.
“We are deeply proud of riders like Kathleen,”, Bike & Build’s Director of Operations and Outreach Justin Villere said in a press release. “Most Bike & Builders actually are not experienced cyclists or builders when the summer begins; we strive to engage young people with a passion for service and adventure. Because of this, our riders make an incredible impact in hundreds of communities.”
Gaeta will be leaving for North Carolina just a few days after her graduation from UCF in May. She will then have 71 days to bike 3,584 miles.
“We’re biking about 75 miles a day on average, sometimes more,” Gaeta said. “The endurance and stamina it takes is going to be the hardest part.”
Bike & Builds promotes affordable housing options, and has raised over $5 million towards its cause.
