200 Miles in 36 Hours for ZCenter

Would You Walk A Mile For A Charity...How About Biking 200 Miles In 36 Hours?

While contemplating how lucky he is to be healthy and happy as he nears the “BIG 5-0,” Wadsworth resident Ray Stojak decided he wanted to do something “kinda big” to mark the occasion and, more importantly, to help make the world a little bit better place for his three grown up kids and a grandchild to live in.   The answer came to him while riding his stationary bike in his basement, like so many of his suburban neighbors probably do.  But unlike most of us, Stojak decided to take his show on the road - 200 miles down the road to be precise -and help a good cause, Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center (zcenter.org)

Over a 36 period during October 8th and 9th Stojak plans to ride a total of 200 miles (mostly on the Des Plaines River Trail) including two 100-mile roundtrips from his hometown of Wadsworth through Libertyville, Lincolnshire on down to Wilmette near the Cook County line and back again.   It’s a long trek (or in Ray’s case a Schwinn), but he is preparing for it by riding two hours a day to get his cardiovascular system tuned up and his gluteus maximus used to extended time in the saddle.  “My mind is willing, but I want to make sure my body is up to the challenge of riding 100 miles on two consecutive days!” said the effervescent Stojak. “I like to finish what I start.”

And he’s also flexing his fundraising muscles by encouraging his family, friends, clients and neighbors to pledge whatever amount they feel comfortable with to benefit Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center in Gurnee.  Anyone who would like to “give him a push” by making a per mile or set amount pledge to ZCenter is welcome to call Ray Stojak at (847) 707-5539 or email him at raystojak@yahoo.com. “I’m planning to make this an annual thing and regardless of how much money is raised, I’m happy because we’re raising money and awareness of an important cause, ZCenter.”

About ZCenter – Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center is the only rape crisis center serving Chicago’s northeast suburbs, having evolved during the past 28 years from a grass-roots volunteer effort to a multifaceted program with a committed board of directors, professional staff, and dedicated volunteers. Their services are all free and include: Counseling (children, adults, individuals, and group), preventative education in schools, advocacy support, 24/7 hotline, and education for hospital workers, police officers, attorneys, and judges.  For details, visit ZCenter.org or call (847) 244-1187.  If you or someone you know needs help, call their 24-hour hotline at 847-872-7799.