The Foster 100 has been one of the most meaningful Century Rides (100 miles) I’ve been privileged and honored to complete, especially because in 2019 I was asked to be an assistant platoon leader. The Foster 100 cycling event is Team Foster’s signature fundraising event, with proceeds providing trained service dogs to tri-state area veterans suffering from combat-related disabilities including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI). They ensure these dogs are obtained, cared for and provided a specialized training team. Team Foster honors the spirit and sacrifice of Captain Erick Foster, who was killed while engaging enemy forces in 2007 in Iraq. Erick was a warrior, a leader, and an inspiration. He pushed himself and those around him to be better…to go a little farther, to give a little more…and that’s what Team Foster does. They go a little farther, give a little more to support the servicemen and women who kept us safe…to make sure there is No Hero Left Behind!
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 Foster 100 was held as a 100 mile virtual cycling event. The challenge was to ride independently and log at least 100 miles over seven consecutive days. My original goal was to double that mileage, but after day one I realized that I could push myself further…especially when Team Foster initiated several competitions! I decided that not only did I want to raise more funds than in previous years…I wanted to win Queen of the Miles for the week…and in the end I had completed the most miles out of all the women participating with 383 miles…and raised more money than I had the previous 2 years. In 2021 Team Foster held two events: The Foster 100 Classic, which is the one day 100 mile ride and Foster 100 Week where participants pledged to ride at least 100 miles during the week. I decided to participate in Foster 100 week…because while I was not afraid of riding 100 miles in a day…as I’ve gotten older, I had become more aware of my limitations and fears of riding 2 by 2 in a large group on roads I wasn’t altogether familiar with. I decided that I wanted to push myself even further than I had in 2020 and so not only did I ride every single day that week…sometimes even twice a day…for a grand total of 526.61 miles! The icing on the cake was that I had raised more money for Team Foster than I had my previous 3 years participating!
This year Team Foster is again holding two events; The Foster 100 Classic on September 10, which is the one day ride encompassing 100 miles…and Foster 100 week which is being held from September 5-11. To commemorate my 5th year participating in this event…which is so very near and dear to my heart…I have decided to face my fears, push myself…and not give up while riding 100 miles on September 10 in the Foster 100 Classic! I would very much appreciate it if you could help me complete my mission by making a donation to help support our wounded veterans and Team Foster so No Hero Is Left Behind. The link to my fundraising page can be found here: https://www.pledgereg.com/324814 . You can also learn more about Team Foster and the Foster 100 at: www.teamfoster.org.
Thank you for your support and God Bless!
Colette
Foster 100
2022 Foster 100
The Foster 100 has been Team Foster's signature event since 2014. This year participants will be riding their bikes at least 100 miles during Foster Week or riding 100 miles in one day during the Foster 100 Classic.
Why We Ride: Your efforts will raise money to provide trained service dogs at no cost to local Veterans, including those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI). We lose 20+ Veterans and service members to suicide every day. Service dogs change the lives of Veterans by providing the physical support and performing complex tasks enabling the Veteran to heal.
Inspiration: Your efforts as a member of Team Foster will honor the spirit and sacrifice of Captain Erick Foster who was killed while engaging enemy; forces in 2007 in Iraq. Erick was a warrior, a leader and an inspiration. He pushed himself and those around him to be better – to go a little farther, to give a little more. And that’s what Team Foster does. We go a little farther, we give a little more to support the service men and women who kept us safe.
We want YOU to go a little farther and give a little more.
For more about Team Foster and the 100, please visit our website and like the Foster 100 Facebook Page.
Team Foster is a 501(c)(3) charity organization founded to honor Captain Erick Foster though its mission: No Hero Left Behind. Team Foster fights for the unmet needs of injured and disabled Veterans by bringing together civilians, Veterans and highly trained service dogs.
We do this by:
- Helping Veterans obtain highly-trained service dogs they need at no cost,
- Providing grants for the unmet needs of Veterans and their service dog,
- Ensuring Veteran service dogs receive the highest quality training,
- Promote Awareness of Service-Related PTSD and TBI, and advocate for the long-term needs of our Veterans.
If your company or organization is interested in sponsoring Team Foster, please email us at [email protected] for opportunities.
Team Foster was founded in honor of Captain Erick Foster. A natural leader and a warrior, Erick pushed those around them to do more and to take care of their teammates.
Team Foster seeks to honor Erick's legacy by pushing ourselves and taking care of our teammates - the Veterans who have sacrificed so much on our behalf. Post-traumatic stress (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) are the signature wounds of post-9/11 warfare. Hundreds of thousand of Veterans have returned home afflicted with these invisible wounds. As a result, 20+ Veterans and military members lose their lives to suicide every day.
But there's hope: Service Dogs Save Lives.
Service dogs are an elegant solution to the complex symptoms of PTSD and TBI. An alternative to medications, these dogs have been proven over and over again to save the lives of our heroes. However, a properly trained and accredited service dog takes 2 years and costs over $25,000 to train. Team Foster fills this need and ensures that our Veterans receive the service dogs they need at no cost. We then partner with the Veteran to "watch their six" going forward by providing grants and additional support as needed.
Learn more about Team Foster at www.TeamFoster.org. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter using the handle: @weareteamfoster.
Checks or matching donations may be sent to:
Team Foster, PO Box 2145, Philadelphia, PA, 19103