Thanks to Tom Baldassari!

Thanks to Tom for my first donation of the big Century ride challenge! It's a relief to have one in the envelope.

As I logged a track workout of lunges and 400s this evening, I thought about how I need these fancy clipless pedals for this upcoming long ride, but my thoughts quickly turned to Bottom Line. I have a lot of great resources in my life - as simple as a bike group to recommend clipless pedals. But I've always had great support starting with my parents and teachers that guided me through UMass. And now I still have great mentors, and friends in my life helping me through my career.

Bottom Line helps to provide guidance for students that are excelling in school, but need help making decisions about their future. We all know the importance of higher education - 9 out of 10 new jobs in the United States require a post-secondary education. Think about your own educational experiences, the lessons that you learned, the friendships, the knowledge, the opportunities, the doors that opened that you didn't realize existed. Since my graduation from UMass Amherst, I realize I've gained so much and I want to provide the same opportunities to other Massachusetts and New York students through Bottom Line.

The impact of Bottom Line on these students is unmatched. Students graduate within six years or less at a rate of 73% compared to their peers without aid, only graduating at a 12% rate.

Biking and training for a century might be tough, but I'm not doing it alone. Let's help to make sure studnets are going Far too - here is how YOU can help Bottom Line and the students, forward this link and donate to Bottom Line.