Forgotten Children of Haiti

06/11/2025

As I reflect on Saturday’s ride, I am feeling strong, grateful, and ready for the next chapter.

A lot of people have asked me why. Why organize a fundraiser for Haiti? Why now?

Here’s the truth:

Haiti is not just a name on the news for me.
It is part of my family, my story, my heart.

In 1990, I traveled to Haiti for the first time with my family. I was young, and I will never forget visiting the orphanage we supported — meeting the kids who had so little but gave so much in joy and love. That moment planted something deep inside me: a commitment to serve, to show up, and to help however I could.

For me, this ride was not just about cycling 105 miles. It was about honoring that lifelong commitment and continuing the work my parents started through Forgotten Children of Haiti.

Haiti is facing incredible challenges right now. Violence, displacement, hunger — struggles most of us can hardly imagine.

And while I know there is need everywhere, I also know this: when you can help, you help.

Not based on borders or headlines.

But based on the belief that all people deserve a shot at a better life.

If we waited for the perfect time or the perfect place, we would never act.
So we choose action anyway, because it matters.

To everyone who donated, supported, cheered, and rode with us — thank you for believing in something bigger than ourselves. Thank you for believing in the next generation of kids in Haiti, kids who just need a chance to learn, grow, and build a better future.

The ride was just one day. But the impact? That is something we will continue to build, together.

💛🇭🇹

Donations are still open if you want to be part of it: joinpedalforpurpose.com

Thank you to all of those who supported and donated to this ride, we've raised over $8,000!!
Especially thank you to our sponsors -
Memorable Results Media
Michael Esposito INC
iHeart Media
Mike Atreaga's
Pain-Free Posture Solutions
Morgan Stanley The Pine Group
Master of One Coaching
Lagrange PT
Athletic Brewery
Bicycle Depot

And to our families who joined us on that rainy, windy Saturday, to News12 Westchester, and Arkansas Style for helping us spread the good word.

06/11/2025

Rain. Injuries. Wind. 105.1 miles.

There were a lot of reasons to quit. But this ride wasn’t about me. It was about the kids in Haiti. We raised over $8,000 because a few of us believed the mission mattered more than our comfort.

We’re still accepting donations through June. Link in bio or visit joinpedalforpurpose.com

06/05/2025

🚴‍♂️ 105.1 miles.
🌧️ Pouring rain at the start.
💨 Headwinds, traffic, uphill battles, and soaked socks.

But here’s the thing: when your mission matters, you don’t wait for perfect conditions.
You show up. You push through. You ride.

That morning, before the first pedal stroke, I reminded everyone:

“We are excited for this ride; the weather will not stop us. We are riding for the children and families in Haiti — who have been displaced, sleeping on dirt, going without food or water for days, traveling by foot with no shoes, their homes on their backs, with no sign of rest or peace in sight.
We ride to inspire hope in their hearts and minds. To remind them — and ourselves — that their lives are meaningful.
We ride to support them and stand in solidarity with them, regardless of country and certainly regardless of bad weather.” 🇭🇹💪

That’s exactly what we did.

🛠️ Huge thanks to my sponsors and team:
Level Fitness, LaGrange PT, Pain-Free Posture Solutions, Mike Arteaga’s, Morgan Stanley The Pine Group, Master of One Coaching, Athletic Brewing, Bicycle Depot, iHeart Media, Memorable Results, and my own team at Michael Esposito INC - you made it possible.

I set out that day with an Ironman and a Marine and no one gave me pity when I was draining my socks or craving a break. We learned about drafting, battled crazy winds in Battery Park, climbed endless hills in the Bronx, and dug deep those last 10 painful miles.

And at the finish line, with family and friends cheering, I was reminded: the work was worth it.

🌈 The next day, a double rainbow stretched across my window. A sign we’re doing something bigger than ourselves.

The lesson?
Leadership, like endurance, comes from consistent training.
Public speaking, communication, business - it’s all about daily preparation so that when the big day comes, you’re ready to deliver.

We’ve raised $8,000 so far and donations are still open through June! joinpedalforpurpose.com

Every mile matters.
Every dollar matters.
Every child matters.

AIRBORNE! 🙏

05/30/2025

When you discover your purpose and Take ACTION! The right opportunities and people will take notice.

Thank you Michelle Rupp for helping Forgotten Children of Haiti land this News spot on News Channel 12 !

Check out the NEWS Story here: https://westchester.news12.com/group-of-cyclists-set-to-bike-105-miles-for-charity

There is still time to donate, visit www.JoinPedalForPupose.com.

hashtag

They will be biking from Somers to Battery Park in Manhattan. The bike ride will go through the Empire State Trail on Saturday for the ride.

03/24/2025

Help Forgotten Children of Haiti! 🇭🇹

Join us in making a difference for children in Haiti! Support our "Pedal for Purpose" Fundraiser and help provide essential resources to those in need.

🚴‍♂️ Donate, Sponsor, or Participate Today!
👉 www.joinpedalforpurpose.com

Every contribution counts. Thank you for your support! 💙

I’ve been dialing in my training and tuning up my gear—because the Pedal for Purpose ride is just around the corner.

On May 31st, I’m taking on a 105.1-mile challenge from Somers, NY to Battery Park and back—an all-day ride with a mission. This isn’t a casual cruise. It’s for experienced riders who can go the distance, fix a flat on the fly, and stay mentally strong when the legs start to burn.

I’ve been doing the work—indoors all winter, and now finally outside again—and I’m reminded every time I get on the bike: safety is everything. I’m checking my lights, my brakes, my helmet fit. This ride is about purpose, but it starts with being prepared.

Not ready for the full 100+ miles? That’s okay. You can still join us by riding your own 105.1 miles throughout May. Log them on Strava and ride with us in spirit while raising funds for Forgotten Children of Haiti.

🛠️ Pro tip: Don’t wait till May 31st to prepare. Start now. Train smart, ride safe, and let’s do something meaningful—together.

Ready to ride? 👉 joinpedalforpurpose.com

05/16/2024

72 hours, $10k, countless lives impacted. Will you join the journey? Fast for 8, 16, 24, 48, or 72 hours from May 15th to May 18th to support Forgotten Children of Haiti.

Your commitment amplifies our impact, bringing awareness to Haiti's food crisis and providing essential resources for those in need.

Together, let's make a difference and a lasting impact on our brothers and sisters in Haiti!

100% of the proceeds will go to the St. Luke Foundation for Haiti

Donte here: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=8X3868KV4GL2U

09/23/2021

Hello Friends and Family,

While our efforts continue to help and serve our brothers and sisters in Haiti, our go fund me campaign will be coming to an end on October 6th.
We would like to thank all our gofundme donors as well as those who mailed in checks.
We have raised over $3,000 and continue to receive donations from our generous supporters.
I will post more updates with our final tally as well as updates from Haiti.
Thank you all again. Stay Happy and Stay Healthy!
Sincerely,
Michael Esposito

Forgotten Children of Haiti helps support the efforts of the St.Luke Foundation. Below is an update from Fr. Rick. More updates can be found on their site by following the link.
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The St Luke team is doing huge work, and there are updates on the stlukehaiti.org website.

These particular messages are the work of my own team. The work is tough and requires a lot of rough driving, loading, carrying, walking, visiting people, listening to their challenges, and practical help.

Fr Rick Frechette CP DO
September 7, 2021
Port au Prince
https://gofund.me/98d90549

08/20/2021

Fr. Rick has dedicated his life to helping the people of Haiti. As a Doctor, he sees hundreds of patients for free.

The devastating magnitude 7.2 earthquakes that hit Haiti less than one week ago has depleted his supplies and destroyed shelters.

It's through your donations that he is able to give the victims and everyday patients the care they need and deserve.

Thank you for your donation. Please consider donating and sharing.

"If not you, then who?" - Fr. Rick

https://gofund.me/baf2ad87