Leeper Raises More Than $5,000 for Breast Cancer Research

Arial Leeper (right) and her friend, Libby Benjamin, greet people as they enter Community Hall Thursday, July 30, for the fundraiser hosted by Miss Leeper's father, Tim Leeper. As each person enters, Miss Leeper asks them to sign two of her father's paintings. They did not reach their goal of 200 signatures on each painting at the fundraiser, but Mr. Leeper said they will work on collecting more. The paintings will be sent to television show host Oprah Winfrey and broadcast reporter Katie Couric. Through the sale of his art and other items, Island resident Tim Leeper raised more than $5,000 at his fundraiser for breast cancer awareness at Community Hall Thursday, July 30.

The art auction and sale included Mr. Leeper's original works and the sale of novelty items bearing the pink ribbon that represent breast cancer awareness. As people walked in the door, Mr. Leeper's daughter, Arial Leeper, greeted them and invited them to sign two of Mr. Leeper's paintings. Their goal was to collect 200 signatures on the paintings and then send one to television show host Oprah Winfrey and the other to broadcast reporter Katie Couric to raise awareness of the cause. The painting of the pink ribbon, Miss Leeper said, was intended for Ms. Couric because she has had breast cancer. By the end of the night, while they had not achieved their goal of 200 signatures, Mr. Leeper said he believed that they would eventually.

Cyclist Tim Leeper shows off the bicycle he will ride on his trip across the country from California to Florida at his fundraiser Thursday, July 30, in Community Hall. At the fundraiser, Mr. Leeper auctioned off his art work and sold novelty items that bore the pink ribbon symbolizing breast cancer awareness. The fundraising trip is inspired by his late wife, Patty Leeper, who died of breast cancer nine years ago. On one table Mr. Leeper displayed bicycle paraphernalia. This fundraiser is connected to the bicycle trip he will take from California to Florida in January 2010. He also had maps on the table describing the route he will take in small sections. As he's been planning this trip since his daughter was born, the maps he has are more than 15 years old. He is gathering updated maps of the route showing every gas station, hotel, laundromat, and anything else he might need along the way.

His late wife, Patty, died of breast cancer nine years ago. Mr. Leeper and his wife had an agreement, Miss Leeper said, that his wife would go across country with him by bicycle after their daughter started college. The focus of the ride changed when she died, but the trip is still planned. Mr. Leeper will now ride in honor of his late wife and for breast cancer awareness.

This trip will be the longest he's ever ridden, but he said he is training less than normal.

"Psychologically, I don't want to burn out on cycling," he said.

He is riding his bicycle around Mackinac Island regularly. He will be traveling lighter than he has in the past, he said, explaining that he won't be carrying camping gear. He will carry waterproof bags to hold his equipment and will stop at hotels along the way.

Next year, Mr. Leeper said, he will host another fundraiser and will probably invite other artists to auction off their work, as well.