The Foster 100 | Sponsoring Service Dogs for Veterans

Each September, for the past 3 years now, a group of cyclists have come together to ride their bicycles 100 miles from Philadelphia, PA to Cape May, NJ for the annual Foster 100. Grinding out 100 miles on a bike is very very tough, but it is far from the difficulties our veterans face in combat when serving our country. These struggles can even become even more difficult when they return home. Which is why Team Foster is sponsoring service dogs to partner veterans suffering from combat-related disabilities including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI). My brother-in-law, Nick Liermann and his wife (my sister), Lindsay, founded Team Foster in memory of Nick’s friend, Captain Erick Foster. Erick was killed in combat in August of 2007.

I’ve seen the incredible amount of work that goes into, not only to grow this cycling event from a few riders to now near 100 riders, but the end goal of helping veterans by sponsoring service dogs; and it is truly inspiring. Which is why I gladly got into the saddle of my bike to ride along side dozens of other riders last September to honor Erick and raise money for this cause. And you bet I’ll be riding these 100 miles again this year. If you would like to get involved and you are a cyclist, you can sign up for this year’s ride on September 16, 2017, here on BikeReg. If you don’t ride, and still want to help our veterans out you can either volunteer on the day of the ride, or pledge your support here: http://www.teamfoster.org/campaign/the-4th-annual-foster-100/. Alternatively, you can help me raise my personal fundraising page for this ride here: https://www.pledgereg.com/143658 .

This is a video I produced for last year’s ride to capture, not only what we were all out there for, but how rewarding an experience like this can provide every rider & volunteer who participates. As for the ride itself, The Foster 100 is fully supported with catered rest stops, mechanical support and optional return transportation to Philadelphia. At the fully catered Cape May after-party, you invite your family and friends to cheer as you cross the finish line to celebrate – then later, enjoy a wonderful evening stroll on the boardwalk.

Text below extracted from http://www.teamfoster.org/about/

Team Foster was founded in 2014 to honor a friend and hero killed in action.  Erick was inspiration to many – he pushed himself and motivated everyone around to him to be better people… to go a little farther, to give a little more.  And that’s exactly what Team Foster seeks to do.  We want to give back to those service men and women who have sacrificed so much.  We want to carry on Erick’s legacy by making sure that there is No Hero Left Behind.

While service dogs are vital tools to rehabilitate injured service men and women, they are also expensive and resource intensive.  Just one service dog can take two years and upwards of $20,000 to properly prepare to partner with an injured veteran.  Meanwhile, there is no assistance from the military or the government.  By joining Team Foster, you can help fill that gap.  You can make a difference in an injured veteran’s life.

Ride with us.  Run with us.  Work with us.  Join Team Foster to aid, rehabilitate and care for our wounded veterans – No Hero Left Behind.

Email: us@teamfoster.org

Zachary Kenney

Hi there, my name is Zachary Kenney and I’m an adventure filmmaker & photographer.  My passion is to tell stories that will hopefully motivate you to go live a more adventurous life. Whether that is to experience the view from the summit of a mountain, or wandering through a new town on a road trip. Currently based out of Park City, UT.