48 States In 24 Days: Husband and Wife Motorcyclists Riding to Raise Awareness and Funds for Leader Dogs for the Blind

ROCHESTER HILLS, MICH. – June 11, 2013 – Leader Dogs for the Blind supporters and active Lions Club members Mark and Debbie Mansell will soon embark on a cross-country motorcycling journey to raise awareness and funds for Leader Dog. The husband-and-wife team will travel through 48 states from June 15 through July 8, starting in LaCenter, Wash. and ending in Temecula, Calif.

The trip is a follow-up to last year's Cycling for Leader Dogs campaign, in which Mark Mansell raised more than $100,000 for the nonprofit organization during a 3,500-mile solo bicycle tour from Portland, Ore. to Portland, Maine. "Giving someone the gift of sight through a Leader Dog is transformational," he said. "The freedom to travel independently is life-changing for the clients, as well those who so passionately work to provide these gifts. To us, this work is the perfect combination of service and evidence of a positive difference in the lives of others."

Leader Dog CEO Sue Daniels, who is also a Lion, said the journey will unite Lions who support Leader Dog nationwide. "It is so important for us spread the message of Leader Dog services and to continually raise financial support," she said. "Lions are among our most ardent supporters. We are very grateful to Mark and Debbie for their sacrifice and continuing efforts to raise awareness and funds for our organization, and their passion for our mission."

Leader Dog was founded by members of the Lions Clubs in 1939, and the two organizations maintain a close relationship. The Mansells will be supported on their journey by Lions nationwide, and they will also get a chance to meet Leader Dog clients and puppy raisers along the way.

More information on this exciting trip can be found at www.leaderdog.org/cyclingforleaderdogs, where online donations are being accepted. Video supporting this story is available for download at: www.leaderdog.org/cyclingforleaderdogs/media.php.

About Leader Dogs for the Blind:
Rochester Hills, Mich.-based Leader Dogs for the Blind is a nonprofit organization that has been providing independent travel to people who are blind through the use of Leader Dogs since its founding in 1939. Over the years, Leader Dogs for the Blind has provided independent mobility to more than 14,500 individuals. The services of the organization are provided free of charge. The organization also provides classes for orientation and mobility, pedestrian GPS and a summer camp for teens. For more information on Leader Dogs for the Blind, call (888) 777-5332 or visit www.leaderdog.org.

Contact:
Megan Peterson
(248) 330-9807
mpeterson@mccicorp.com