Let the games begin! The 2012 Summer Olympic Games are up and running, and if you're like us, you are tuning in to see who will be this year's big winners. Go Team USA! With all this Olympic fever, we thought it would be fun to introduce you to an Olympic Gold-Medalist that was born and raised right here in Amarillo, Texas. Brandon Slay won the Gold Medal in Freestyle Wrestling in the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia. We had a great interview with Brandon, and here's the Funspired scoop:

Journey to the Olympics

Brandon started wrestling when he was 6 years old at the YMCA Boys Club in Amarillo. Believe it or not, his first year of wrestling, his record was 0-20. But, he enjoyed the friends he made, so he kept coming back. When he was 8 years old, he remembers watching the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, and that's when he decided that, some day, he wanted to win an Olympic Gold Medal in wrestling. And so his big dream began. Over the years, he wrestled at the Maverick Club, Sam Houston Middle School, Tascosa High School, and the University of Pennsylvania (he chose UPenn because it was a great balance of academics and athletics). After graduating in 1998, Brandon moved to Colorado Springs where he trained at the Olympic Training Center until the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney.

His Olympic Experience

Brandon competed in five matches at the Olympics, the most exciting being his defeat of Russian wrestler Bouvaisa Saitiev. Bouvaisa was chosen to win the Gold Medal that year - he had been undefeated for 6 years and had won the Gold Medal at the previous Olympics in 1996 (and he actually went on to win Gold Medals in 2004 and 2008). Click here to watch this amazing match. 

In the finals, Brandon's opponent was German Alexander Leipold . The match didn't go very well; Brandon was given multiple cautions (which was unusual) on moves/holds he had done many times before, and the German was given 3 "free" points. Brandon tried one last maneuver to win, desperate at this point, but he was unsuccessful, so the German won. Brandon was disappointed to receive the Silver Medal at the awards ceremony, but as he left the arena, he was greeted by loved ones and he realized that his faith, family and friends were much more important than any Gold Medal. 

The Gold Medal

Two weeks after his return, he received a call from the International Olympic Committee, and they told him that the German had tested positive for steroids, so the Gold Medal now belonged to Brandon. He and his family flew to New York City for an official awards ceremony on NBC's Today Show. The Silver and Bronze medalists also flew in for the ceremony. Brandon finally had his gold medal - and what a story to tell!

His New World View

After reaching the pinnacle of his sport, Brandon's view of the world changed. Things that had once seemed important, no longer did. He wanted to use the platform that God had given him to teach others. He made a goal to share his story at all 78 schools in Amarillo (and he came pretty close by speaking at 72 of them). He shared his journey, his faith, and the lessons he learned along the way, namely that life isn't just about winning the Gold Medal. 

Where He is Now

Brandon lives in Colorado Springs with his wife of 3 years. They have a 15-month-old daughter, Sydney Slay, who is named after the city where his big dream came true, a city that he came to love during his Olympic visit. Brandon is currently the Head Wrestling Coach at the US Olympic Training Center. He travelled to London yesterday as one of the Team USA Wrestling coaches. Brandon is looking forward to being back to the Olympics, but this time as a coach! Follow Brandon on Twitter (@CoachSlay) to get his Olympic updates.

His Olympic Outlook

Brandon says to watch out for Tervel Dlagnev, Team USA's Heavyweight (120kg) competitor. He is from Arlington, TX and is only the third Texan to make the US Olympic Wrestling Team (the other two were Brandon and female wrestler Randi Miller who won the Bronze Medal in 2008). The coolest part? Coach Henry Harmony coached both Brandon and Tervel early in their wrestling careers: Brandon, at Amarillo's Maverick Club and Tervel at Arlington High School. Click here to see an NBC feature on Tervel.

His Amarillo Favorites

Brandon comes back to Amarillo quite often to visit his close friends and family. He loves to go to Lone Star Bar & Grill to get a big steak with his dad. He also likes to stop by Roaster's, Taco Villa, and Doug's BBQ. 

His Motto

"Do your best and let God take care of the rest!" He says, "If we are obedient and doing the natural, God will do the super if it's according to His Will." 

His Website

Be sure to check out Brandon's great website here.

Thank you to Brandon for taking the time to share his amazing story with the Funspired gang! 

Your fun friends, 

Susan and Farrar 

Fun things to do in the Panhandle this week:

FRIENDS OF FOGELBERG 

One out of six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in the course of their lifetime, and it is the second leading cause of death from cancer in men. In order to bring awareness to this disease and to raise money for the Harrington Cancer Center, join the Friends of Fogelberg for their concert at the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts TONIGHT at 7:30pm. Hosted by one of our dear friends, Dr. Richard Kibbey (a prostate cancer survivor himself), and featuring local music talent including Anderson, Flesher and Key, Insufficient Funds, The Soul Breakers, and many more! $15 tickets (what at steal!) available at Panhandle Tickets.

100 YEARS STRONG

If you don't know who Eddie Melin is... read this great article by our friend Jon Mark Beilue of the AGN. But the main scoop - the Amarillo Symphony is having a party for this precious man and it is FREE to the public in his honor. Join the talented Amarillo Symphony and other special guests on Friday, July 27th at 7PM at the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts (yes, go Thursday AND Friday).

COWBOY DAY

Celebrate 8th Annual National Day of the Cowboy this Saturday, July 28th at our wonderful American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum. Lots of fun for the whole family with special performances from the cast of TEXAS, tours of the Hall of Fame, rides on American Quarter Horses, junior ranch rodeo with Pokey the Clown, and lots of fun and crafts for the little buck-a-roos! Click here for more information.

HOT BLOOD

Run a 5K or go for the gold and do the full 10K this Saturday to benefit The Bridge: Children's Advocacy Center. Get Fit's Annual Hot Blooded is definitely worth an early wake-up this weekend. 7:30AM start this Saturday, July 28th in the parking lot behind Get Fit on Georgia Street. Sign up and run this fun race for a great cause!

HARLEY PARTY

The 18th Annual Original Harley Party - an outdoor street party on historic Polk Street between 10th and 12th Streets - is a fundraiser for Family Support Services. Set for 5PM - 9PM this Saturday, enjoy live music from the Buster Bledsoe Band and Rock Bottom. $80 gets you and a friend in to enjoy great food from local restaurants, drinks and a chance to win a Harley of your own!

OLYMPICS

Get started with the 2012 Olympic Summer Games in London! Here is your guide on how to watch your favorite sport, and we don't think that you should miss the opening ceremonies Friday night. Click here for all the info to channel surf your way through this year's Olympic Games.

KIDSFEST

This Saturday, July 28th, enjoy Kidsfest at the Amarillo Civic Center from 8am-noon. This awesome event gives parents and their kiddos an opportunity to get free school supplies before they head back to campus next month! Lots of amazing non-profit organizations will be on hand with fun games and toys as well.

Your fun friends,

Susan and Farrar

This year Britain has already made popular contributions to world conversation: Queen Elizabeth II's Jubilee celebrating 60 years on the throne; the latest boy band One Direction to send young girls into frenzies of screams, and of course - Will and Kate. Britain makes what should be its most popular contribution beginning this Friday, July 27, 2012. That's when the 27th Summer Olympics begin in London, the first city to host the Games three times in the modern era (the others were in 1908 and 1948).  Here are more facts and figures to help with your Olympic watching...

* 7 possible Gold medals for swimmer Michael Phelps in this year's games. That would give him 21 Gold medals for his career; he already is the all-time leader for the Summer and Winter Games with 14. And with Phelps having 16 total medals already, two more of any color would tie him for the most decorated Olympian, Summer or Winter, with Larysa Latynina, a gymnast for the former Soviet Union in the 1950s and '60s. Click here to follow Michael on Twitter during the games.

* 10 Olympic appearances for Canadian equestrian Ian Millar, the first athlete to reach that mark. He will break a tie with Hubert Raudaschl, an Austrian sailor from 1964-96. Millar, 65, made his Olympic debut in 1972. He could have 11 appearances, but Canada was among the countries that boycotted the 1980 Moscow Games.

* 26 Gold medals won by the United States in 3-meter diving, the most by any country in any discipline in any sport. Brandon, Florida's Chris Colwill is one of two U.S. men competing in the event at London. He won the Olympic trials.

* 10,500 athletes (approximately) participating in this year's Olympic Games.

* 38 seconds is the total time it took Jamaican sprinting world-record holder Usain Boltto win three gold medals in three finals in 2008 (100 meters, 200 meters, a 100-meter leg in the 400 relay).

* 36 Sports to be contested, two fewer than 2008. Baseball and softball are gone, voted out by the International Olympic Committee in 2005. Baseball suffered from not having major leaguers compete, and IOC president Jacques Rogge said at the time its drug-testing program fell way short of international standards. As for softball, Rogge said it had to increase its "global appeal" (meaning the United States won too much).

* 4 sports that have been in every Summer Games: track and field, swimming, fencing and artistic gymnastics.

* 9 is the number of bikinis that two-time defending beach volleyball gold medalist Misty May-Treanor of the United States plans to take to London.

* 1 new event: women's boxing. It has received the most publicity for its controversy over the Amateur International Boxing Association's initial ruling that women had to wear skirts in the competition so they could be distinguished from the men. After many of the women objected, the association backed off and said they could wear skirts or shorts.

* 5 feet 2 is the height of U.S. gymnast Jonathan Horton, who goes to his second Olympics as the defending silver medalist on high bar. 

* 13 is the shoe size of U.S. swimmer Missy Franklin, 17, who also will swim in seven events and is expected to be one of the Games' big stars.



* 71 is the age of Japanese equestrian Hiroshi Hoketsu who is expected to be the oldest competitor, but he is only the second oldest on record. Oscar Swahn of Sweeden won silver at the age of 72 in shooting during the 1920's Olympics.

* Click here for the full Olympic schedule on NBC.

Your fun friends,

Susan and Farrar

Fun things happening in the Panhandle this week:

WOWW WINE

Window on a Wider World is having their annual wine tasting next Tuesday, July 24th at the Amarillo Botanical Gardens. Featuring Secreto wines from Bacchus Imports and tasty food from Macaroni Joe's. 5-7pm. $25 per person. Who doesn't love drinking wine for a good cause? For more info, call 342-5600 ext. 201 or email bonnie.kellogg@windowonawiderworld.org.

ADULT ZOO

Get out your party pants and head to the Amarillo Zoo this Saturday, July 21st for Rock and Roar. This fun adults-only event will be from 7-8:30 and is only $5 per person. Enjoy music from the 70s and 80s with Andy Chase Cundiff and Peach Orchard Boars. Grilled food station with hot dogs and hamburgers plus refreshements available for purchase. Best of all, the animals will be out to view!

DOG DAYS FLICKS

Amarillo Little Theater is hosting their Dog Days Film Festival this Friday and Saturday, July 20-21. Three film noir classics with expert commentary by by film historian Bryan Vizzini, Ph.D, of West Texas A&M University. Viewings of individual films are free or you can purchase an event pass for $50 per person which includes the opening night gala, discussions and all three screenings. At the ALT Adventure Space. Box Office 806-355-9991.

BLUEGRASS IS BEST

Head west to the Vega Bluegrass Festival this weekend, July 20-22nd at the Vega City Park on Main Street. Tickets $8 Friday 7/20, $10 Saturday 7/21 and free Sunday 7/22. Weekend pass $12 in advance or $15 at the gate. Call 806-681-3254. Nothing better than some great bluegrass tunes on in the summer!

TRI - IT

This Saturday all ages can compete in the Amarillo Town Club Triathlon! Offering a sprint, mini-sprint and youth race - it is a great opportunity to try your hand at SWIM - BIKE - RUN! Click our link above and check it out - a great fitness event for the entire family! This is the last year for this great event, so register by midnight tonight so you don't miss out!

PLAN AHEAD FUN

- Pam Tebow, mother of football super star Tim Tebow, will be in Amarillo for an inspirational speaking engagement hosted by Texas Panhandle Independent Futures September 5th 7:00 PM at the Globe News Center. Call the Amarillo Area Foundation at 376-4521 or click here. 

- Registration is now open for the annual TRI to make a difference benefiting Children's Miracle Network. Join the Funspired gang and participate in this fun race. Click here to sign up then start training! 

BK MUSIC

- Don't forget The Bryan Kelley Band is playing tonight at Music in the Gardens and next Friday, July 27th night at Golden Light. Come join the fun!!!

STUDIO 4

Here is our Top 10 for July:

1. Taking monograms to the next level! Fab beaded handbag with monogram. $150. Click here to get yours.

2. The artsy 2,300 square foot Splash Pad in the northeast corner of Memorial Park by Amarillo College is the perfect way to cool off during the dog days of summer. (pictures courtesy of the adorable Singleton kiddos)

3. Epic joining of forces: Neiman Marcus and Target (Funspired favs) announced this week that they are collaborating with 24 notable American designers to create a limited-edition collection of gifts and clothing. The items - which will be unveiled on December 1st and available at both retailers - will range in price from $7.99 to $499.99, with most under $60. Click here for more details.

4. Wine Accessories. Here are two new gadgets that help us with our wine addiction: 1. Count your calories as you sip with this wine glass etched with pour markers and calorie count - us heavy-pour gals are busted now! 2. The Nuance Wine Finer is a built-in aerator and sediment filter that can also be used as a wine stopper if you don't finish the bottle; best of all, it's drip catcher helps you pour your favorite cab drip-free.

5. Liquipel your iPhone. How many of you have put your phone in a "bag of dry rice" to try to salvage it after you get it wet? Fret no more, Liquipel is a process that coats your phone inside and out and is virtually undetectable. Click here for more information.

6. We LOVE this great website that our friends use to coordinate meals for friends who are in need. It automatically organizes and sends reminder emails the day of delivery, keeps track of food allergies and previous meals delivered. Check out Take Them A Meal.

7. Lime-A-Ritas - these "beer margaritas" from Bud Light are perfect on a hot summer day. No squeezing limes, mixing or stirring... just pour over ice and you'll be glad you did!

8.  This handy app for your smartphone helps you track flight prices before you purchase AND if your flight price drops below what you paid, Yapta helps you get a refund for the difference. Go Yapta!

9. Make your own popsicles! These cool pop molds will make everyone in your house smile. Use fruit juice for a simple cool treat or try one of these fun recipes for something a little fancier.

10. ANB App - Amarillo National Bank has just released its new and improved app for your smartphone. It's like a mini ATM right at your fingertips (minus the cash) - check balances, transfer funds, and so much more! Click here for details and links to download. Now you can access your ANB accounts Absolutely Anywhere!

Your fun friends,

Susan and Farrar

Escape the summer heat with a fun trip to the nearby state of Colorado. We chose some of our favorite spots to inspire you for your next visit. Here's the Funspired scoop on how to stay COOL:

ASPEN

Why not start with the spot in Colorado that boasts Ralph Lauren, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci, Fendi, Bvlgari, Burberry, Theory and Zegna boutiques? We feel "cooler" already. Other than shopping? Favorite restaurants are Matsuhisa, Ajax Tavern (try the truffle fries, you'll thank us), and don't forget Woody Creek Tavern. Our new spot to stay is Viceroy Snowmass - great deals and super chic. Fly fishing is epic in the valley - it is a must. Click here to get info on the Aspen Music Festival - a summer series of concerts that you won't want to miss!

SALIDA

This adorable town is located on the winding Arkansas river and surrounded by nearby mountain ranges - a haven for the outdoor enthusiast! We recommend floating and fly fishing down the river with Ark Anglers - fun for beginners and experts alike. Or, plan a kayaking, rock climbing, rafting or mountain biking adventure with RMOC. Stay downtown in the historic Palace Hotel. Have a drink on the patio of the Boathouse Cantina, and Amicas Pizza & Micobrewery will blow you away with their amazing pies and delicious beers.

TELLURIDE

This southwestern Colorado town has a great vibe. We love to stay at The Peaks (if you don't say there, for sure check out their new patio overlooking the mountains) or Hotel Madeline. You MUST have a drink at Allreds restaurant with its spectacular views. Eat at Brown Dog Pizza and 9545 for lunch. The rest of the time? You know what to do - hike, bike and cool off!

BOULDER

This great city (home of the University of Colorado) is located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains just 30 miles northwest of Denver, so it's the perfect easy-to-reach retreat. Stay at the St. Julien hotel. Have a divine dinner with a view at the Flagstaff House (5 minutes up the mountain). Breakfast at the Buff is required before you leave! Also, check out two yummy local brewpubs Mountain Sun Pub and Walnut Brewery. How to spend your time when you're not eating and drinking? Hike some Flatirons in Chataqua Park, take a run along the Boulder Creek, or walk and shop around the Pearl Street area downtown. There's something for everyone!

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS

Just west of the Continental Divide you will find Steamboat Springs. While there, you must tube down the Yampa River that goes through downtown Steamboat and take a hot air balloon ride to view the beautiful mountains. Dining - don't miss Cafe Diva, The Truffle Pig or for fun casual dining, hit Rio Grande for great Mexican cuisine. To Stay? One Steamboat Place is the best.

FORT COLLINS

If you have never visited this great city in northern Colorado, it's time to plan your trip. Walk around the historic Old Town district, then head out to Poudre Canyon or Horsetooth Mountain for your favorite outdoor adventure (think hiking, biking, rafting, fishing and more). And for the beer-lovers, Fort Collins is a mecca of microbreweries, so a brewery tour is a must while you are in town. The newly-renovated but still historic Armstrong Hotel is the place to stay. Grab coffee and snacks at The Bean Cycle, try Jax Fish House for dinner and drinks (they have mixologists!), and Lucile's is a gem for a Creole breakfast.

We hope we've inspired you to explore and enjoy a new Colorado destination. Happy travels!

Your fun friends,

Susan and Farrar

Fun things going on in the Panhandle this week:

SINGING SEUSS

MUSICAL DAY

4G: GISMOS, GADGETS, GEEKS & GOOD TIMES

BUFFALO BATTLE

CHILLIN' AT THE ZOO

MONDAY IS THE NEW FUN-DAY

Got the Monday blues? It's the summer folks, so there are no rules! Head out this Monday night to Crush on Polk Street to enjoy their festive patio, fab tapas, and best of all, live tunes by Bo Salling's band Smoking Rabbit. They've got great wine and beer options - and, Monday's best news yet: $3 pints!

Photo courtesy of Chriselda Photography

One of the best things about the Texas Panhandle is our big, beautiful sky. The lovely sunsets, the glorious cloud formations, and our favorite: the brilliant canvas of stars each night. Grab a blanket, your loved ones and your smart phone, and head outside tonight to take it all in. Stargazing isn't just for astronomer's, so here's the Funspired scoop:

Get the App: Before you look up, download one of these great stargazing apps on your smart phone or tablet: Star Walk (for iPhone or iPad), Planets (FREE for iPhone/iPad) or Google Sky Map (FREE for Android).

Maximize your Viewing: In order to get the most out of your stargazing, you'll want to go out on a clear evening that isn't too hot or too cold. Find a spot that doesn't have too many trees, like a park or an open field. If you can get outside of the metropolitan areas, you'll be able to see more in the sky because there will be less light interference. And if you really want to get serious, you can research the phase and rising/setting of the moon (try this website). A big, bright moon can make it harder to see the stars.

Set the Mood: Bring a large picnic blanket, some cushions or some folding chairs, so you can be comfortable. Bring snacks and drinks appropriate for your group: popcorn and lemonade for the family, wine and chocolate for a date night, or hot cocoa if it's chilly. Some music might also be nice for a relaxing atmosphere. If you have binoculars or a telescope, bring them along. You might even like to have a camera to snap some photos of the sky. Be sure to dress for the weather, and don't forget bug spray and a flashlight. 

Search the Sky: Before you start looking for constellations, give your eyes some time to adjust to the dark night. Then, try to find some of these constellations which are best to seen in July (use your app to help you locate them): Corona Boreallis (The Northern Crown), Draco (The Dragon), Hercules (The Hero), and Scorpius (The Scorpion). If you are stargazing at another time of year, click here for a list of the constellations that are most prominent each month. And if nothing else, look for the easy ones, like Ursa Major (The Big Dipper / Big Bear), Ursa Minor (The Little Dipper / Little Bear), and Orion (The Hunter).

Relax and Enjoy: If you get tired of looking for specific constellations, just lay back and enjoy the beauty of the sky. Or, you might even like to use your imagination to come up with your own constellations. Stargazing should be peaceful and happy!

Shooting Stars: Lastly, don't forget to look for shooting stars. Did you know that shooting stars (officially called Meteors) are actually not stars at all? They are pieces of dust or small rocks that fall into the earth's atmosphere and burn up. During certain times each year, there are groups of meteors that are observed to radiate from one point in the night sky; they are called meteor showers. The next meteor shower this year is Delta Aquarids, and it's peak will be on July 28th and 29th. Click here for a schedule of other upcoming meteor showers.

Happy stargazing!

Your fun friends,

Susan and Farrar

Fun things happening around the Panhandle this week:

STRANGER ART

A new art show opens tonight at the Process Art House. We Should be Strangers is a collection of photographs by Jonathan Phillips. His work explores a variety of subject matters from unexpected perspectives and represents a gritty documentary view of our modern life. You won't want to miss it! The gallery will be hosting an opening event tonight from 7-10pm at it's 700 S Van Buren location.

FRESH, LOCAL PRODUCE

One of our favorite things about July is that it brings the opening of our local farmer's market. The Golden Spread Farmers Market is open every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from July until the first frost. From 7am until sold out at 15th & Pecos in the parking lot of Sunset Center. Arrive early for the best selection of everything from sweet corn to summer squash, cantaloupe and even natural beef!

CREEPY CRAWLERS

The Amarillo Botanical Gardens will be having a youth nature class next week that is all about bugs! Sign up your kiddos for the Insects - Making Bug Barns class. Next Wednesday, July 11th from 9:30am-12:30pm. Best for ages 7-10. Supplies and lunch included. $50 for members or $60 for non-members. Call 806-352-6513. And don't forget about Music in the Gardens every Thursday evening for all ages!

E-FLATTERS

Head to the historic Gem Theatre in Claude for a rockin' show by the E-Flat Porch Band this Saturday, July 7th at 7:30pm. $10 adults/ $3 children. These guys play a unique blend of acoustic "porch music," including folk, blues, jazz, early country, and original tunes. They are known for their fun delivery and quick wit, and they take their music seriously without taking themselves too seriously!

PLAN AHEAD

If you missed the mud run in June or if you participated and had a blast like we did... be sure to sign up for the Buffalo Battle next Saturday!

STUDIO 4

Farrar will be on Studio 4 today drinking something delicious and telling you about our TOP 3 upcoming events. Tune in to KAMR at 4pm.

Your fun friends,

Susan and Farrar

We met Sergeant Major Christopher Self and his wife Dana this past April when he was one of the wounded warriors competing in the W100 with President Bush in the Palo Duro Canyon. It was an incredible honor to get to know the Self's. We decided that as we celebrate our nation's freedom this week, that we should focus this feature on one of our nation's heros that fought for our country  and to let you know what he is doing now and how you can help.

The Self Family

Chris has been in the U.S. Army for 26 years and has served seven tours in Iraq. He is still currently on active duty and stationed in Fort Campbell Kentucky where he lives with his wife and their three children Jordan (18), Haley (16) and Reese (8). On December 28, 2005 while serving in Iraq, the Sergeant Major was involved in a firefight ans sustained gunshot wounds to both legs, leaving his right leg paralyzed (severing his sciatic nerve). After 7 months of being confined to a wheelchair, Chris and his wife (who is one of the strongest women we have ever met) decided that in order for Chris to live the active lifestyle that he had before his injury, that they needed to make a choice. On July 13, 2006 doctors amputated his right leg.

Chris taking the gold medal in cycling the Warrior Games 

With the help of the Challenged Athletes Foundation, great prosthetics and a very supportive family - Chris has competed in numerous triathlons, marathons and races. CAF steps up and provides prosthetics that Chris and others challenged athletes need to compete in races like adaptive sports equipment, and pays the entrance fees and other race expenses. To give back, on October 13-19, 2012 Chris and several other challenged athletes will be riding their bicycles 620 miles down the California coastline over a 7 day period. They start the race in San Francisco and end in San Diego. The purpose of the race is to raise money, create opportunities and support to people with physical disabilities so that they can pursue active lifestyles thought physical fitness and competitive athletics. 

One of the adorable challenged athletes that Chris is helping

Please help Chris make his goal by going to his website and donating ANY amount you can. Chris and Dana have set a goal to raise $10,000 as part of this million dollar challenge to fundraise for the Challenged Athletes Foundation. Also, Dana and Chris pay out of pocket for her to travel to California to be the race "support crew" following behind the riders in a car if they need aid. Obviously the expenses are high, so if you want to donate personally to the Self's to off-set their expenses you can send donations, gift cards for gas or anything to them personally:  Dana and Chris Self - 974 Willow Circle - Clarksville, TN, 37043.

Chris's fundraising link for CAF - donate here:  http://operationrebound.kintera.org/chrisself?faf=1&e5562754631

As you can see, this was a story we had to share. We hope that you will support our friend and hero as he helps others. If you want to see more on Chris, watch this video from the W100 or this feature story on CNN. We salute you Chris, and all the men and women that fight for our nation's freedom. Thank you!

Your fun friends,

Susan and Farrar