Andrew Rodriguez Memorial Bike and Car Rally

by Craig Bowden

March 01, 2008

Washington Colony has the privilege to be one of 25 organizations, and one of only two schools, in the San Joaquin Valley involved with the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Central California. The Make-A-Wish Foundation®, "grants the wishes of children between the ages of 2 1/2 and under the age of 18 with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength, and joy". We have joined the Foundations annual fundraising campaign and have agreed to sell raffle tickets for the Rumble to The Summit bike rally held in June each year (call or come by the school office to purchase raffle tickets).

Maria Rodriguez, Director of Financial Services at Washington Colony, knows first hand the blessings offered by the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Central California. Her nephew, Andrew Rodriguez, was diagnosed with leukemia at age 4 and was granted his wish by the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Central California soon thereafter. He and his Family were able to go on an all expense paid vacation to Disney World. In 2007, Andrew lost his battle with leukemia. Maria, knowing the blessing the Make-A-Wish Foundation® was to Andrew and her family, volunteered for the first time at the Rumble to The Summit in June of 2007. The Washington Colony Family is proud to join her this year to help support other children and families who are facing the challenges that come with a life-threatening medical condition.

On Saturday, April 5, 2008, Washington Colony is hosting the first "Andrew Rodriguez Memorial Bike and Car Rally". This event will be in part a fundraising event for Washington Colony to support our students. What we are most excited about, however, is our commitment to give a generous percentage of the total proceeds back to the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Central California. The money we are able to donate will go directly to 14 year old Jasmine, whom we have already adopted as our child. We hope to make her wish of a Shopping Spree to Fashion Fair Mall come true.

The "Andrew Rodriguez Memorial Bike and Car Rally" will be a fun filled event for everyone who attends. Please see the event flyer detailing the activities including motorcycles and cars, the long awaited for school carnival, live band entertainment, and barbeque and Mexican food for lunch. We cannot describe how excited we are to host such and awesome event on our campus and are asking the you join us in making "The Rally" a success.

Here's how you can get involved:

It's simple! Check out the "Registration and Donation Form" link for specific information and let us know how you would like to support the "Rally". We will graciously accept monetary donations, silent auction items, various supplies (examples listed on form) and of course your registration form to bring a bike or car to the rally. Please consider how you would like to participate. If you have any questions, need forms, or need more information, contact Craig Bowden at 233-0706 or by email at cbowden@washingtoncolony.k12.ca.us.