Owasso 7th Grade Center Raises $4,000 for Local Ambucs Chapter Amtryke Program
02/08/2018 – Led by student and event organizer, Alexia Sang, along with the Owasso 7th Grade Center Student Council, set out several weeks ago to raise $2000 for their local Ambucs Chapter. This morning, all 50 student council members gathered in the 7th Grade Center Library with Ambucs members to present them with a check for $4,000.
Ambucs is a membership organization that has more than 5,000 members nationally, with more than 150 chapters in over 30 states. They are dedicated to helping people with disabilities, and specifically aim to give away therapeutic tricycles, called Amtrykes.
The Amtryke Therapeutic Tricycle Program is about abilities, not disabilities. The goal is to provide people with disabilities with all the classic benefits of riding a bike: mobility, strength, exercise, coordination, interaction with family and friends, and just pure fun!
The fundraising efforts kicked off at the school on January 17th, where student council members collected donations directly from the student body and teachers. In just 8 days, the students were able to reach their goal of $2,000. Ashley Hopper, Owasso 7th Grade Librarian and head of the Student Council Program stated – “Alexia was very persistent in her efforts to convince the student council to take on this project. She came prepared with a slideshow and videos and was certain they were going to be able to reach their goal. The students rallied and I am simply amazed by their efforts for such a great cause. We are very proud.” Amy and Don Livingston, owners of Giant Subs and Deli in Owasso, saw a Facebook post about the event and Amy reached out to ask if Alexia would like to place a collection jar at the deli. Not only was Giant Subs able to collect an additional $500, but they also offered to match those donations for a total contribution of $1000. Amy said, “We are thrilled to support this great cause and the Owasso community. And we are so thankful for our generous customers who donated to help make a few of these kids dreams of cycling come true!”
Inspired by Amy’s kindness and generosity, Larry and Jessica Sang, owner of Imagine Pediatric Therapy in Owasso, offered to match Giant Subs and Deli’s effort and contributed an additional $1000. Jessica said, “As a therapist and clinic owner, I know just how important these AmTrykes are to these children. Their faces light up when they receive them, and the therapeutic benefits they receive from riding them is truly incredible. We are so happy to be a small part of it, and it warms my heart knowing these students are learning such valuable lessons in our public schools.”
When asked what was next, Alexia stated “Who knows, maybe next year we get all of the Owasso schools and small businesses together and see if we can impact the lives of even more children with disabilities.” Donnie Johns, current President of the Owasso Ambucs chapter, shared “When I received the email letting us know what the kids had done, I actually stood in my office and cried. We have been doing this for two years and have delivered 50 Amtyrkes in Northeast Oklahoma. This donation will allow us to increase that number by at least 10%. It really is amazing what these students and business owners have done.”
