Bladin' for the Dominican Republic

Education is not something readily available to children around the world (OR throughout the United States). The Dominican Republic, a beautiful third world country plagued with poverty, has a public education that does not provide well for its people. Therefore, those that can afford it send their children to private schools; thus the never-ending cycle of those with a disposable income receiving the best education, and getting the best jobs, and the unfortunate ones getting left behind.

Doulos Discovery School is a private, K-12 school in the Dominican Republic. It provides scholarships to over half of its students so that children of any socioeconomic status have a shot at an education. In order to provide this service, Doulos staff from North America must provide their own financial support.

At the end of June, 2010, friends Kerrie Emig and Keith Schoen are heading down to the Dominican Republic to teach these students. Kerrie will be teaching art, Keith will teach English. In order to help raise money for their endeavors, we are having part two of the series of weird sports for education: Bladeathon, 2010.

On May 11, 2010, KU students Hannah Nusz and Nicole Schmidt will be rollerblading a half marathon to raise money for this cause (and intend to also send more funding to Uganda). The race will begin at 4:00pm US Central Time, and anyone is welcome to send us off from the starting point at the Southwest Lawrence Trafficway at 34th and Iowa (right next to the Southwind Movie Theaters), and make a donation. Our course will be down the trail and back again, and then we will head to 23rd Street Brewery where a party for the public will begin at 5:00pm on the patio. Ticket prices are as follows:
All you can eat- brats and burgers $25.00
All you can eat + all you can drink $35.00
However, you are welcome to stop by and donate and celebrate and no cost! Meet people, make friends! We intend to blade to arrive at 23rd street between 6:45 and 7:30.

Please consider joining/supporting the cause. Checks with a memo of "Education" should be sent to
Nicole Schmidt
901 Rhode Island
Lawrence, KS 66044

Hope to see you at the party!