After the global COVID-19 pandemic sidelined the annual Journey of Hope cycling trek last Summer, the team of Pi Kappa Phi members has returned to northwest Louisiana.

On July 20, student members and alumni of the fraternity’s Beta Omicron Chapter at Northwestern State University welcomed their fellow Pi Kapps participating in the cycling event that raises money and awareness for projects that serve people with disabilities.

The Journey of Hope team, consisting of more than 25 cyclists and crew members, arrived at Shriners Hospital in Shreveport after a 75 mile bike ride from Longview, Texas, as part of a 4,370-mile cycling event across the country. The Journey of Hope team consists of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity men from across the country. The team will cycle an average of 75 miles per day ending at the United States Capitol on August 14. Every cyclist commits to raising a minimum of $6,000 on behalf of people with disabilities.

Beta Omicron Chapter alumnus George Etheredge, who is also a Shriner, again organized a barbecue luncheon for the cyclists, patients and visitors. Student members and alumni of the Beta Omicron Chapter served up barbecue chicken, sausage, beans, potato salad, watermelon and cookies.

This group is one of two Journey of Hope teams that have committed their summer to support people with disabilities through community events, advocacy presentations and grant support.

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

The mission of The Ability Experience is to use shared experiences to support people with disabilities and develop the men of Pi Kappa Phi into servant leaders. The Ability Experience is the national philanthropy of Pi Kappa Phi. Along with the Journey of Hope, The Ability Experience also builds amenities at camps for people with disabilities and host events with local partners at Pi Kappa Phi’s 185 chapters across the country.

Founded in 1977, the Ability Experience is committed to raising funds and public awareness on behalf of people with disabilities. Combined with corporate sponsorships, the 2021 Journey of Hope will raise more than $320,000 for people with disabilities across the nation.

To learn more about the Ability Experience, click here.