Thank you for visiting my fundraising page!

I am dedicating my entire 2010 riding season to my uncle and former police officer Wayne Vonk .  He was shot and killed in the line of duty many years ago while arresting two armed robbers in Grand Rapids Michigan.  Although I have worked the street for the Ann Arbor Police Department for many years, I am very fortunate and quite honored to be allowed to ride with the Grand Rapids PD Unity Tour Team "VO 2 the Max"  (they don't know I named them yet). 

To honor my uncle along with all the officers who have given their lives to protect others, our team will ride with over one thousand other LEOs from all over the US.  We will cycle over 300 miles from New Jersey to Washington DC May 9 - 12, 2010.  We will participate in the Candlelight Vigil the evening of Thursday, May 13, 2010 at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial (NLEOM).  I would be honored to see you there!

In order to train for the Tour, I began commuting to work on my road bike every day starting in April 2009.  The trip was just under 15 miles each way, and an awesome cardio start and finish to every midnight shift.  On September 20, 2009 I was struck by a motor vehicle during my daily commute, but a little bit of physics and a whole lot of Divine Intervention went a long way.  A bunch of stitches, some reconstructive surgery and a scar was all I had to show for it!  I only missed a few weeks of work and was right back on my bike my first day back (mountain bike since my road bike was toast).  I commuted to work as often as I could through this cold winter and missed only January and February completely.  I'm back to riding to work every day as it gets warmer with spring and the approaching summer.

Each rider must raise a minimum amount to participate in the Unity Tour, and I'm hoping you can help me reach that goal.  I'm almost there! Officer Lou Ann Hamblin has been accepted as support personnel and must also raise the minimum amount, which is included in my final goal.  Donating through this website is simple and secure.  If you prefer a hard copy, please e-mail me at the address below and I will send a file that you can print and send/fax to the Unity Tour.  Officer Trevor Gerlach of Muskegon PD is also riding in honor of my uncle, and you are welcome to visit his site and donate to him as well.  He is a former student from the academy at which I teach fitness for police cadets: www.firstgiving.com/trevorgerlach The ret of the Grand Rapids PD team has their own site as well:  www.firstgiving.com/grpd

Many thanks for your support -- and please forward this to anyone who you think might also want to help! 

God bless,

Kathy

PS:  E-mail me if you want to see pics of my crash!

kathyvonk@aol.com