Douglas “Doug” Craw, son of Margaret Throgmorton, who is a resident of Madison County and is involved in multiple community groups and services, has undertaken an unsupported biking trip across the U.S. in order to assist support programs for at-risk youth.
Craw, works at Granite State Independent Living (GSIL), a New Hampshire based company that promotes independent lives for seniors and students with disabilities. Craw is an Employment Coordinator at GSIL, often assisting disabled and at-risk students achieve their GEDs, apply for employment and prepare them for job interviews.
Craw himself has lived an exciting life, but not without its own troubles.
When he was a senior in high school, Craw’s father passed away. Craw’s life following that was full of work and travel as he worked hard to receive his AA degree.
Following receiving his degree, Craw moved to Alaska to work at a university in the state and during the fishing season, Craw worked in a fish processing plant.
Craw moved on, receiving a degree in diesel mechanics from the University of Iowa before eventually coming to the Madison and Tallahassee area.
Craw stayed in the area for a year, before moving on again, this time to Australia where he would meet his future wife. The two of them traveled to Indonesia, becoming teachers before his fiancé had to terminate her contract early to return to the United States to care for her mother.
Craw would follow her later, joining her in New Hampshire, where they married and he eventually became employed by GSIL.
“He’s always been adventurous,” said Throgmorton.
Craw’s charity bike ride is definitely an adventure. Throgmorton stated that when Craw has traveled through towns in Arizona and New Mexico that she feared for his wellbeing. Craw doesn’t stay the nights in hotels or motels, but rather pitches a tent and stays out under the sky since his trip is unsupported and all of his expenses are his responsibilities. “I pray for his safety,” said Throgmorton. “He is [entirely] on his own.”
Craw has had to purchase everything from his cross-country bicycle to the food he eats.
During his trek, Craw hopes to gather donations to help support the at-risk kids that GSIL supports.
All proceeds will go directly towards the mission and programs of GSIL.
Those interested in donating to the fund can do so by visiting www.youcaring.com and typing ‘GSIL’ into the ‘search fundraiser’ bar.
So far, Craw has raised $7,946 of a $17,000 goal as he treks from California to New Hampshire. “By supporting my charity bike ride, you are generously supporting independence for at-risk youth,” writes Craw.
To stay in touch with Craw’s tour updates, go to GSIL’s Facebook page.