Commit 65

I'm going to attempt to fly a plane, along with my dad, for at least 65 days without EVER touching ground.  Why?  To create a national platform from which to launch an ongoing national awareness campaign about childhood sexual abuse.  Almost one out of every four people you meet (and know and love) has been sexually abused.  It's a big deal.

This awareness campaign event is called Commit 65 and it starts NOW.   We are hoping to launch the flight from Boise, Idaho in September of 2011.  While in the air, we plan to have a Wi-Fi network, thus making Commit 65 an interactive and engaging campaign.  The last record flight, back in 1959, was sponsored by the Hacienda Hotel and casino in Las Vegas.  The airplane was refueled twice a day from a truck driving at a matched speed at the ground.  The flight ended after just less than 65 consecutive days.  We hope to break this record.

My name is Matt Pipkin, I'm 26 years old, and I just started talking a couple years ago about the fact that I was molested when I was five.  I kept it secret all that time because I thought it was my fault and was terrified and ashamed to tell anyone.  I started counseling last year and that former fear and weight has become my driving force.  Im doing this for others who are walking in similar shoes and Im doing this for the five-year old me who went through this.

We anticipate a great response from major media outlets. Weve already been contacted by NBCs The TODAY Show and we've been mentioned in USA Today. I plan for this to be the first of many national-scale, high-exposure awareness campaign events. 

But first, we need to raise some initial funds to be able to purchase a used airplane (a Cessna 172 or similar aircraft) and make some upgrades.  Then be in a position to approach major corporate sponsors to cover the remaining costs and needs.  Main sponsors names/logos will be displayed on and in the airplane. *Note - Following the flight, we plan to sell the airplane and put the funds toward furthering the campaign. 

We need your help in getting this campaign funded (Commit 65 is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization).  And we also need you to speak up and spread the word!  This is such an important issue  and this campaign will make a huge difference in the lives of many who have been abused. 

Thanks so much!  

Matt Pipkin

www.commit65.org

Twitter: @commit65 and @themattpipkin

Facebook:  search Commit 65

My blog:  http://mattpipkin.posterous.com

My email:  purduepipkin@gmail.com