“I first began supporting the Free Wheelchair Mission with my family a couple of years ago,” Stephen said. “We were thrilled that an organization was making such an impact on impoverished and underprivileged individuals in developing countries.” 

Under the leadership of Karen Bowerman, Dean of the College of Business and Public Administration, and FWM board member John Sexton, the AMA and the FWM shook hands and formed a powerful alliance. Stephen knew right away that this was a cause for which he could rally the troops. With the support of Dean Bowerman and AMA President Jason Brown, the students of the AMA went forward with what they know best – their marketing strategy.

“We just know we’re going to have a tremendous response,” Steve said. “Our university is huge so we have access to vast numbers of individuals, and the concept of supplying the gift of mobility is so obvious and so important.”  He added, “There’s just nobody out there doing this with the success and numbers of Free Wheelchair Mission.”

Stephen and his group set a goal of 100 wheelchairs. “The bus concept sprang from the initial questioning on how to keep everyone focuses on accomplishing our goal,” he said. “If we charter a bus, and fill it up with participants, and if each raises a mere three wheelchairs apiece, then the coordinated efforts of all those on the bus will exceed our goal of 100 wheelchairs.”

Check out Stephen Pappas’ and the AMA of CSUSB web page at www.firstgiving.com/inlandempirealliance.  For more information on setting up your own fundraising page for the Run, Walk and Roll for Mobility 2007, contact Vanessa Ryan, Marathon Coordinator, at (949) 273-8470, x213, or e-mail her at vryan@freewheelchairmission.org.