In 2002, three students from North Central University in Minneapolis decided to cycle from Seattle to Montauk, New York. Their goal: raise funds for a church planting project in Argentina. They called themselves “Venture” and aimed to collect $10,000. In the end, they biked 3,700 miles and raised $17,000. That journey marked the birth of Venture Expeditions—an adventure travel organization that uses physical challenges to raise awareness and funds for people in need around the world.
In 2008, Venture Expeditions (VE) organized a cross-country bike tour through the United States to raise money for Blood:Water Mission (B:WM). This organization, founded by members of the band Jars of Clay, is dedicated to providing clean drinking water and medical aid in Africa.
Their “1000 Wells Project” asks for just $1 per donor—enough to provide one person in Africa with clean water for an entire year. Since its launch in 2005, the project has already helped over 250,000 people in more than 300 African communities.
The Ride:Well Tour covers 3,150 miles, starting on June 4 in Santa Monica, California, and ending on July 28 in Washington D.C. The team consists of 17 members, including bestselling author Donald Miller, two African students, and other volunteers.
Miller shared:
“The only way biking across America gets better is if it’s for the 1000 Wells Project. In Uganda, I saw children transporting huge containers of water on their bikes. This ride is nothing compared to their daily struggle.”
Along the way, the team hosts additional fundraising events in Dallas, Nashville, and Washington D.C. Each participant is required to raise at least $1,000 for B:WM. VE hopes to raise between $100,000 and $250,000 in total.
Founders Jesse Olson and Mike Dobbelmann remain actively involved. VE trips serve a dual purpose: “Benefit the World” and “Discover the Soul.” Previous projects have supported HIV/AIDS victims in Africa, an orphanage in China, a school in Thailand, and disaster relief after Hurricane Katrina.
Participants raise funds through donations and media outreach. A typical trip generates between $4,000 and $25,000. All partner organizations are Christian-based and combine humanitarian aid with evangelism.
Interested in joining? Visit venture.org
Current focus areas include: