The idea for Challenge2Society to inspire and motivate people has it roots in the USMC's Toys-For-Tots (T4T) program. For the years 1995-7, Steve Gardner (GySgt Gardner) was running the T4T program for roughly 1/3 of Virginia, and was able to partner with radio DJ Slam Duncan.

In the photo you see a RV suspended by a crane, where Slam and Steve broadcasted 24 hours a day asking the people of Roanoke to donate bikes; and Steve, Slam and Neil standing in the sea of donated bikes.

"I could never coordinate the logistics of taking the 'Bike-or-Bust' concept nationally, and it kind of sat in the back of my mind for the next few years."- Steve Gardner Founder Challenge2Society.

Picture is from the Roanoke Times, Tuesday, Dec 19, 1995  Taken by Eric Brady

(Full Toys For Tots Article, Roanoke Times, Tuesday, Dec 19, 1995

4 / 22 - Tuesday, December 19, 1995


Edition: METRO
Section: VIRGINIA
Page: B-1
Source: S. D. HARRINGTON STAFF WRITER


BIKE COLLECTION DRIVE HITS GOAL, 6 TIMES OVER

To radio disc jockey Slam Duncan, 93 seemed like a perfect goal for a Toys for Tots campaign to collect bicycles for needy children. That's the FM dial number of the radio station, J93 (WJLM), where he works.
But the radio station would have to move to the AM dial to count for the more than 600 bicycles that were donated from Friday to Monday.
"We didn't realize the support the community was going to give," Toys for Tots co-coordinator Sgt. Neil Gaudreau said. The U.S. Marine Reserve sponsors Toys for Tots.
Duncan, along with Toys for Tots co-coordinator Staff Sgt. Steve Gardner, were hoisted 93 feet in a in a trailer at Tanglewood Mall and refused to come down until at least 93 bicycles were donated.
"We figured we'd get the 93" and maybe double that, said Russ Brown, J93 operations manager.
"That was probably the largest promotional and response that J93 has ever had," he said, adding that it also may have been the largest ever in the Roanoke-area market.
During the promotion, the radio station received calls from Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R-Roanoke; a representative from the Carolina Panthers; and Miss Virginia, Amber Medlin.
"Literally by the time we went on the radio, the phones started ringing and people started lining up" to make contributions, Duncan said.
By Friday afternoon, Duncan said, they reached the goal of 93 bicycles.
The radio station solicited donations of bicycles and money from the public.
Gaudreau said they raised more than $11,000, from 4-year-olds giving pennies to local companies donating more than $1,000.
Gaudreau said they recruited truck drivers to purchase bicycles with the donated money and bring them to the Tanglewood Mall parking lot.
The bicycles will be distributed at the Salvation Army's distribution center at the Plaza of Roanoke-Salem from Wednesday to Friday.
"This is probably the biggest Toys for Tots [campaign] the Roanoke Valley has ever seen as far as visibility and participation," Gaudreau said.
Individuals or businesses still may donate to Toys for Tots. For more information call 804 286 4295

Illustration: PHOTO: ERIC BRADY/Staff. J93 (WJLM) disc jockey Slam Duncan {and SSgt. Steve Gardner} stayed in this recreation vehicle for 75 hours. color.

ID: 602166
Tag: 9512190052