Mission

General Information

Cyclists for Cultural Exchange was established in 2004 with the express purpose of furthering peace and international understanding through exchanges between people with a common interest in cycling. CCE is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization located in Santa Cruz County, California. The organization runs one major fund-raising event each year, the Strawberry Fields Forever Bike Ride, that provides the funds distributed in support of its Mission.

Mission Statement

The primary purpose of this corporation shall be to promote peace, understanding and friendship among peoples around the world through our common interests in cycling. Activities promoting this purpose may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Exchange Programs – Bringing bicyclists to America and taking American bicyclists to other countries to experience the people, cultures, and history of our neighbors in this world. Our intention in the time we have together is to discover our differences, find our common ground, become familiar with the language, customs, and traditions of the host country and share our visions, hopes and dreams for cooperation and world peace.

Projects – Supporting projects and programs, locally and abroad, which promote community development and economic improvement through the use of bicycles as primary or alternative transportation, and for recreation.

Activities – Supporting cycling-related groups in other countries to foster friendship.

Education – Educating others about the power and possibility of interpersonal exchanges between people of different countries and cultures, locally and abroad. Encouraging others to find their own avenues to appreciate and understand the diversity of our world.

BOARD of DIRECTORS

Matthew Werner, President
Craig Calfee, Secretary
Dan Hoggatt, Treasurer
Patrick Kretsch
John Hope
Marilyn Marzell
Michael Light
Jain Light
Teri Ruegg
Frank Pritchard
Vita Pritchard