The news this week that “The City With Spirit” theme is being incorporated into the 2012 Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland Bike to Build fundraiser by inspiring the name of a new team approach — the “Spirit Riders” — is great news! It further solidifies the fact that our city slogan goes to the heart of what we are all about in Cleveland, Tenn. We are a city that puts “spirit” into all we do, whether it be selling a vehicle, designing a T-shirt or building a home for someone in need.
When the final selections came in for our recent citywide slogan contest, there were mixed emotions and opinions about the more than 1,800 entries that came through our judging panel.
It was a tough choice, but a winner had to be named, and “The City With Spirit” was chosen.
Now that “The City With Spirit” has been selected, it is falling right in place with so many community efforts. I recall the first time I heard the slogan used, it came over the radio as a commercial for Don Ledford Automotive Center, as their sales team got behind the move and declared a sales effort with “spirit.” It was clever marketing indeed, but even more important was their desire to put the new slogan into action.
Then Terry and Angela Forshee of Cherokee Pharmacy & Gifts got on the bandwagon, designing spring colors in T-shirts with the familiar Cherokee Chieftain artwork and the slogan, “The City With Spirit.” Forshee said the slogan came at a time when his gift shop was seeking new and different promotional items for Cleveland. With his business located at Exit 25 off Interstate 75, he said he had numerous people come in to seek out souvenirs of something to show they visited Cleveland. So, he jumped on board!
Now, Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland has caught the “spirit” for its Bike to Build event as it raises funds to build two new homes.
Set for Saturday, April 21, the three-course bicycle extravaganza will begin and end in the Bradley Central High School parking lot for bike riders of all ages and levels. Already more than 200 cyclists have signed up and hundreds of volunteers will be taking part — all with the goal to raise $80,000 to build two new Habitat homes for deserving families.
It’s a gallant effort, one that takes a spirited group of volunteers who have a heart for helping others.
If you are a biker, regardless of what level, check out the event by going online at the Habitat website or calling 423-476-6947. If you are not a biker, I’m certain you could volunteer to help in some way and be a part of this ambitious project.
“The City With Spirit” indeed! It is home to a spirited citizenry willing to pool time, energy and money to make this community a great place to live, work and bring up a family.
Good luck to Bike to Build with your April 21 event!
