NEWS

WIRES

OTHER

Maine Hosts the First Annual Bike Ride for Women Entrepreneurs in Countries Emerging from War

NEW YORK, Aug. 31 /PRNewswire/ -- On September 11, 2001, when the world changed, Mary Ciampa was living in Hoboken, New Jersey about to embark on her daily ferry ride across the Hudson River into her office in lower Manhattan, soon to be known as Ground Zero. Her husband, Paul, left early that morning and was already at work in the World Financial Center. Both Mary and Paul survived. Many people they knew and worked with did not.

Responding to the horror of that day, Mary joined a pioneering group of executives who believe that business can play a role in world peace. Mary volunteered for the newly formed non-profit Business Council for Peace (www.bpeace.org), dedicated to helping women entrepreneurs in countries emerging from war create the jobs that inspire hope, peace and stability. Bpeace's strategy is: more jobs mean less violence.

This September 12, Mary is leading "Pedal for Bpeace" (www.bpeace.org/ride), a fundraising bikeride in Brunswick, Maine sponsored by the famous cinema cafe, Frontier www.explorefrontier.com. Pedal for Bpeace aims to raise $20,000 in support of Bpeace's work in Afghanistan and Rwanda.

Individuals and organizations participate by joining the ride or making a donation to Bpeace. Pedal for Bpeace offers riders the opportunity to select one of two courses based on their skill level: 25 or 50 miles. From novice to expert rider, the only requirement to qualify is to agree to raise at least $100 from friends and families, using the Pedal for Bpeace website: www.bpeace.org/ride.

"We each make a difference in our own way," said Mary Ciampa, now a Bpeace Board member. "Biking in beautiful Brunswick, Maine will provide an opportunity to share space with like-minded people, and raise the funds to help brave Afghan and Rwandan women earn income, support their families, and expand their businesses in support of entire communities. Sign up now or make a donation at www.bpeace.org/ride."

All donations are tax deductible. Bpeace (Business Council for Peace) is a 501(c)3 non-profit international network of business professionals who volunteer to help entrepreneurs in countries emerging from war expand their businesses, create employment, and build a peaceful future for their communities. The U.S. Department of State recognizes Bpeace's effectiveness and has been a financial supporter in Afghanistan since 2004. The women entrepreneurs Bpeace assists in Rwanda and Afghanistan have created more than 1,700 jobs, supporting more than 13,000 Rwandans and Afghans.

SOURCE Bpeace