NEW ORLEANS – On Sunday, March 26, 12 local businesses raced down Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard in pedicabs, that were donated by Bike Taxi Unlimited, to raise money for the Youth Empowerment Project (YEP) in the inaugural Pedal With Purpose (PWP) event.
The three hour community street fair included multiple heats of team-sponsored pedicab races, neighborhood food vendors, raffle prizes and free activities for kids. Live entertainment was provided by WWOZ’s DJ Brice Nice, St. Augustine’s Marching 100, the Disco Amigos, a Thriller flash mob and stilt walkers. The event was closed out by DJ Mannie Fresh joined by Cumulus Radio DJ Lesli Brown.
The first-ever event raised more than $100,000 in donations for YEP’s programs that positively impact more than 1,200 underserved youth annually in the New Orleans area. IBERIABANK won the fundraising competition among the teams, raising more than $8,500 to support YEP.
“The success of Pedal With Purpose means that we are going to be able to continue to grow and expand our education, mentoring, employment readiness and enrichment services for the young people we serve.” said YEP Co-Founder and Executive Director, Melissa Sawyer. “We are delighted with the success of this first year event, and are hopeful that we have we’re going to have more local businesses and supporters who want to get involved in the fun event year after year.”
The pedicab race winners were
Media Heat – The Gambit
Bank Heat – Liberty Bank
Law Firm Heat – Bruno & Bruno, LLP
Event sponsors and donors included Labo Charitable Fund, Phyllis M. Taylor, Zemurray Foundation, Entergy, Bryan Chevrolet and See-Hear Productions.
Clancy and Margaret DuBos supporting team Gambit and Alden McDonald, President and CEO of Liberty Bank and Liberty Bank racers.
YEP Executive Director Melissa Sawyer and Pedal With Purpose Event Chairs Nan Galloway, Margaret Beer, and Stephanie Feoli
