Beyond the finish line the Top Buttons, Gears For Good RAAM Team, exists to see
HER JOURNEY TRANSFORMED
eam Start: Saturday, June 15th, 2024eam Start: Saturday, June 15th, 2024
The Top Buttons Race Across America all female cycling team is the first team from Polk County to participate in RAAM. For over four decades, the Race Across America (RAAM) has presented a formidable challenge to ultra cyclists worldwide, testing the extremes of their physical endurance and mental fortitude. The race begins in Oceanside, California and finishes in Annapolis, Maryland. On this trek which must be completed in 8 days, our team will not only ride more than 3,000 miles but also climb 175,000 feet crossing 12 states. Team Start: Saturday, June 15th, 2024
If you would like to find out more information about partnering with the Top Buttons 2024 RAAM team initiatives while obtaining unique sponsor benefits, click the link below.
RAAM OBJECTIVE
The Top Buttons RAAM Team is riding to highlight the needs of young women who are in at risk and vulnerable situations. Top Buttons seeks to empower young women with the resources they need for her journey to be transformed.
ABOUT TOP BUTTONS
Top Buttons is a 501(c)3 non profit existing to build self worth in young women through mentorship, education and fashion. Through our programs we provide desperately needed life skills education, hygiene and clothing resources to over 500 young women in at-risk situations each year. Top Buttons currently has 4 Brick and Mortar locations in Polk County including the 3 Thrift Boutique and Beauty Bars along with our Plum Boutique, through which we operate our programs and affiliate Top Buttons locations launching in other communities around the country.
Young women ages 11-25 who receive our services include those rescued from human trafficking, those with special needs, those who have become displaced or in foster care, those experiencing unplanned pregnancies, those with low income or limited resources, those who are victims of domestic violence and those who are single mothers.
WHY RAAM
The founder of Top Buttons, Sarah Powers, is a fitness enthusiast who has recently grown to love cycling. Her passion to empower women through the programs of Top Buttons and to see more women on bikes, inspired her to complete this epic race across the country. Together with other local female cycling friends who share a love for cycling and the cause behind the endeavor, The Top Buttons, Gears for Good team plans to raise awareness and funds for the Top Buttons programs.
RAAM 2024 Gears for Good Cycling Team
Click on the images below to learn more about each cycling Team Member.
Sarah Powers
Sarah's background in competitive water sports for most of her childhood has instilled a hard work ethic, resilience and grit for all her endeavors including cycling. Click here to read more about Sarah Powers.
Jackie Harrison
Jackie Harrison, a 40-year-old healthcare professional, embarked on a transformative cycling journey in July 2017, thanks to her fiancé's introduction to her first road bike. Click here to read more about Jackie Harrison..
Kristin Swinburne
Kristin Swinburne is a devoted mother of three sons and a resilient small business owner. She has two Italian Greyhounds, who she says are great trail runners and solid pacers. Click here to read more about Kristin Swinburne.
Kristin coker
Kristin pursued her passion for volleyball and her academic interests at the University of West Georgia, majoring in Chemistry while playing as a setter for four years. Click here to read more about Kristin Coker.
Each cyclist will take turns during the 3,000-mile race and average 750 miles each before reaching the finish line in 8 days. Your support enables us to go “beyond the finish line” so that we can all see the lives of young women transformed.
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