Members, alumni and friends of Pi Kappa Phi welcomed cyclists from The Ability Experience to Louisiana on their latest stop in a cross-country trek on behalf of people with disabilities.

Tuesday, July 17, 2018, the south route team of the Journey of Hope, comprised of Pi Kapps from around the country, pedaled through Shreveport to Shriner’s Hospital, where they received a warm welcome.

Beta Omicron Chapter alumnus George Etheredge, who is also a Shriner, organized a barbecue luncheon for the cyclists, patients and visitors. Student members of the Beta Omicron Chapter served up barbecue chicken, sausage, beans, potato salad, watermelon and cookies, before participating in a friendship visit with the children receiving treatment at the hospital.

The Journey of Hope is divided into three routes that span 4,000 miles from the west coast to Washington, D.C. Along the way, team members participate in activities and events to promote a greater understanding of people with disabilities. Through team member fundraising and corporate sponsorships, the event raises more than $600,000 for Pi Kappa Phi’s philanthropy, The Ability Experience. In cities along the route, riders participate in service projects and raising awareness about disabilities.

Several members of the Beta Omicron Chapter have also completed the Journey of Hope in recent years.

Attending Tuesday’s event were alumni Austin Craft, Jonathan Grant, Johnny Oden, George Etheredge, Chris Reich Sean Austin, Monte Robinson, Steve McCutcheon, Robert Broadwell and Lane Luckie, as well as past chapter Rose Queen Morgan Webb. Student members David Johnson, Logan Esthay, Char Wilson, Blake Blanchard, Zach Linville, and Carter Whitaker were also present.

To learn more about the Ability Experience, click here.