On Monday October 22 2007 – three weeks to the day, today – Bike Gallery co-worker Brett Jarolimek was killed in a collision with a truck while riding his bike in Portland. Brett was a Portland resident and an active member of the cycling and art communities. The news of his death came as a terrible blow to all of us at the Bike Gallery, as well as to many customers and friends in the community.
The Bike Gallery – with the support of Brett’s close family and friends – has decided to establish a memorial fund in honor of Brett’s life. The Brett Jarolimek Memorial Fund will be sponsored by the Bicycle Transportation Alliance (BTA), which in an initial phase will administer the collection and distribution of donations under its charter as a 501 C-3 nonprofit organization. The Bicycle Transportation Alliance is based in Portland Oregon and exists to support bicycle and pedestrian safety and transportation concerns throughout the state.
Donations made to the Brett Jarolimek Memorial Fund will be used to support the cause of bicycle safety through strategic partnerships and direct support of projects intended to 1) enhance motorist awareness and education, 2) enhance the awareness, visibility and education of bicyclists, and 3) enable bicycle safety infrastructure projects on a selected basis. This will include funding of grassroots projects initiated by individuals in the community.
Funds collected will be managed by a committee or board of individuals who will represent the concerns of cycling safety, visibility and awareness in the Portland area. Organizations and individuals will be invited to submit proposals and grant requests for the fulfillment of specific projects that are consistent with the mission of the fund. The committee/board will meet at regular intervals to review applications, distribute funds and work on development and fundraising projects. The committee/board will also consider opportunities for strategic alliances with City and State agencies and other nonprofit organizations.
You can make a contribution to the Brett Jarolimek Memorial Fund…
Write your check to:
BTA
(in notes field write Brett Jarolimek Memorial Fund)
Mail to:
Bicycle Transportation Alliance
c/o Brett Jarolimek Memorial Fund
PO Box 9072
Portland, OR 97207-9072
Bike Gallery has pledged to match first-year contributions towards the fund, up to a total of $10,000.
For any questions about the fund, please contact Barb Grover, Bike Gallery Community Relations & Outreach Director.
(Taken from the Bike Gallery November Newsletter)
