| 10/24/2001 | Randy Kennedy has wrapped up a 1700-mile bicycle journey for the Mary Byron Foundation, raising over $45,000. Flanked by a Jeffersontown police escort, Randy returned as fellow employees and supporters lined the streets to welcome him home.
Kennedy is a software engineer for Appriss, the Louisville-based technology company responsible for the automated victim notification service known as VINE (Victim Information & Notification Everyday.) He spent 22 days traveling the perimeter of Kentucky on what has been called "Brake-ing the Cycle of Domestic Violence," a public awareness/fundraising campaign for the Foundation. Kennedy's itinerary included stops in Ashland, Monticello, Paducah, Owensboro, and Lexington, among other communities.
"I've met some very special people over the last three weeks, people who care for and fight for victims of crime," said Kennedy. "I hope this trip has encouraged people to become pro-active because we can and must do so much more."
The Foundation, named in memory of the Louisville woman shot to death by a former boyfriend, was created in October 2000 to help fund and support programs and services designed to end domestic violence.
"Randy is a hero to thousands of domestic violence survivors in Kentucky and beyond," said Marcia Roth, Foundation executive director. "He has truly begun the process of breaking the cycle of domestic violence for so many." Before returning to Louisville, Kennedy participated in a brief ceremony in the state capitol rotunda in Frankfort. He was recognized by the Governor's Office of Child Abuse and Domestic Violence Services and the Kentucky Domestic Violence Association.
Kennedy averaged over 95 hours on the bike during his three weeks on the road. He estimates he made at least 12 public appearances across the state, handed out hundreds of Foundation brochures; and endured bad weather, aching
knees, and nearly 100 angry dogs. A support team, consisting primarily of Appriss employees, maintained the trail vehicle and logistics.
In addition to Appriss, the Kentucky tour was sponsored by several local businesses, law enforcement agencies, and victim support organizations: David L. Armstrong, Louisville mayor, Acclaimed Studios, Fifth Third Bank, Hilliard Lyons, Kentucky Crime Victims Compensation Board, Neil Huffman Automotive Group, Roth Family Foundation, St. Matthews F.O.P., Tina Ward-Pugh, 1st Ward Alderwoman, Viacom Outdoor, POWERade, and TK MotorSportz.www.appriss.com
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