I Can Do All Things
April 22, 2014
Scotty Parker outside of Water Missions International's headquarters
Scotty convinced his parents to bike across the state for his 10th birthday to raise money for a safe water solution for a community in need. After 14 weeks of training and more than 500 practice miles, Scotty began his ride on Sunday, April 17th, in Greenville, South Carolina.
218 miles and five days later, Scotty arrived at Water Missions International’s headquarters having raised enough money to fund two community water projects. He’d pedaled through an unusual cold snap, rain, and wind gusts to accomplish his goal. Police cars escorted Scotty, his family, and their team the last few miles to Water Missions’s doors, where a crowd waited, cheering the birthday boy to the finish line.
Once the riders parked their bikes inside Water Missions International’s production bay, the celebration began. More than 200 people had gathered to congratulate Scotty on completing his ride. As guests chowed down on burgers and hot dogs, Scotty’s father, Steve, thanked everyone who supported the ride, naming a long list of sponsors including Coastal Kids Dentistry, Turtle Cove Homes, Northwood Church, the City of Hanahan, and Restoration Community Church.
Scotty and his mother, Pam, stand next to the check representing how much money Scotty's Ride For Water raised.
“The list goes on and on,” Steve told the crowd. “There’s a lot of little names that add up to the total you see. There are a lot of small gifts that were all that people had to give, and they gave it. There was one little girl who gave all her tooth fairy money from all six teeth she had lost. The list is endless. The accomplishment is great.”
By the end of the ride, Scotty had raised over $62,000, an amazing amount that many, including his parents, never dreamed he could raise. Scotty is a true inspiration—proof that no matter who you are, you can make a difference in the world.
Related Impact Stories
