Pi Kappa Phi Brothers Take On 'Journey of Hope'

By: Ashley Billone, Ionian Staff Writer

With the fall semester rolling into action, students are becoming comfortable with their everyday schedules. Juggling schoolwork, sports, activities and clubs can seem overwhelming, which is why some students don’t become too involved on campus.

Other students, like Alberto Minnocci and Reggie Quaye have different plans for their school year.

Both Minnocci and Quaye are juniors atIonaCollegeand are members of the Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, the most recent national fraternity to joinIona’s Greek organizations.

What sets these students apart is that they are both participating in a charity cycling race this summer on behalf of people with various handicaps. This bicycle race is known as the Journey of Hope race, which was created by PushAmerica, a national outreach nonprofit project of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity.

PushAmericais the largest fraternal fundraising and awareness event of its kind. They also help to improve summer camps for children with disabilities.

After asking Minnocci why this charity event is not only important to his fraternity but also to himself, he said, “People don’t spend enough time learning about the disabilities that people have. People don’t realize how much harder they have to work everyday.”

Minnocci, who was diagnosed with mild dyslexia, knows what dealing with a disability feels like. As if balancing academics, work, and committees on campus wasn’t difficult enough, he spends his extra time fundraising and training for the race.

“There are a lot of people who have disabilities that can do great things. They are hard working and dedicated and put more effort than we do in anything,” said Minnocci.

This summer, he and Quaye will be two of 90 other Pi Kappa Phi brothers biking across theUnited States. Covering about 35 different states, the race will be starting on the west coast in eitherLos Angeles,San Francisco, orSeattle, and ending inWashingtonD.C.

Cyclists will be biking anywhere from 60-100 miles a day. Not only will they be cycling throughout the Journey of Hope race, but the brothers will also be speaking with various members of the press, attending meetings, and visiting facilities for people with disabilities.

This ‘Journey of Hope’ will last 64 days. This alone is a huge commitment, but the cyclists will also be sleeping in high school gyms along the route, as well as using those facilities to eat, shower and do laundry.

This is no walk in the park, but it is a huge achievement as well as overwhelmingly fulfilling upon completion.

To prepare for this journey, Minnocci has been training every day. Diet and preparation for this race are not the only things that will get himself and Quaye through this ride.

“My family and friends have been very supportive throughout this whole process. They have been spreading the word to help donate,” said Minnocci. Both students are required to raise $5,500 each.

With help from family, the fraternity, corporate sponsors and anonymous donations, Minnocci has raised $1,230 so far.

Throughout this race across the states, Minnocci has been considering documenting his journey. Not only will there be breathtaking scenery that they will be riding through, but he will also be able to capture the touching moments of when they get to interact with those with disabilities at their stops. Whether it is documented through iPhone, GPS or a camera, Minnocci will be experiencing something that most of us will never achieve.

From the past 26 years that this race has been going on, Minnocci and Quaye will be the first to be representing their fraternity throughIona. The brothers of Pi Kappa Phi are happy to support their brothers in this extraordinary opportunity.

To help support Alberto Minnocci and Reggie Quaye, visit their fundraising links: support.pushamerica.org/goto/alminnocci, or support.pushamerica.org/goto/quaye92.

For more information, visit their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/IonaCollegeJoH.

Founded in 1940, Iona College is a four-year private, coeducational institution of learning in the tradition of the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers and American Catholic higher education. It is a diverse community of learners and scholars dedicated to academic excellence and the values of justice, peace and service. Iona offers undergraduate degrees in liberal arts, science, and business administration, as well as Master of Arts, Master of Science and Master of Business Administration degrees and numerous advanced certificate programs.

For questions or more information please contact:
Dawn Insanalli
Public Relations Office
Iona College, 715 North Avenue, New Rochelle, N.Y. 10801
Office: (914) 637-2726
Fax: (914) 637-2711
dinsanalli@iona.edu