Pi Kappa Phi-Eta Lambda Chapter

Gear Up Florida

Since 1997, almost 300 Pi Kappa Phis have participated in Gear Up Florida. Each year, the team raises over $80,000 to benefit people with disabilities. Gear Up Florida was created with one mission in mind. To reach out to as many people as possible across the State of Florida, spreading a message of acceptance and understanding on behalf of people with disabilities. Gear Up Florida has served that mission well by creating an event that is touted as "The best two weeks of programming Push America has to offer."

This 800-mile cycling event kicks off on the shores of Miami, travels through the Florida orange fields, reaches the Gulf coast, passes through Orlando, comes back to the Atlantic coast and culminates at the State Capitol in Tallahassee. The team spreads a message of acceptance and understanding to communities in Florida through newspapers, radio and television, civic groups and community leaders, reaching millions of people annually.

Gear Up Florida's programming is what makes this event so unique. Every event is centered on the mission of the trek. Some days team members will visit three different organizations that support people with disabilities. Seeing the direct impact on the people they raise money for is very emotional for team members. You cannot help, but be touched by the gratitude and kindness that is shown along Gear Up Florida. When the trip is complete, team members always look back and it is the friendships made with people with disabilities that have the most impact on each man.

Typical Gear Up Florida Schedule:

GUF Facts:

– Proclamations declaring Push America Day, parades, wheelchair basketball games, bicycle safety seminars and pool parties are examples of the types of community events scheduled. These exciting events allow us to highlight the local efforts of the organizations that support people with disabilities.

Kids on the Block puppet shows – At many events, Kids on the Block puppet shows for children are performed. This show focuses on the abilities of people with disabilities and allows children to ask questions to the puppets that they might not have been comfortable asking otherwise.

Friendship Visits – From barbecues to fireside sing-a-longs, to dinners and dances, the team spends time enjoying the friendships made with the people for whom they are riding. Cycling 100 miles in one day is well worth it when you arrive into a city and there is a smiling face there to thank you!