At age 13 I took a motor coach trip with my family from Detroit to Toronto Ontario Canada for the Caribbean festival known as Caribbana. Our church took 2 coaches of families on this 4-day journey and we stayed at the Holiday Inn on King. We visited the science center participated in the parade and learned about the islands that make up the Caribbean via direct exposure to its cultures and people. My parents both worked for Ford Motor Co. and could afford to take a family of 5 but there were those who were not so fortunate so we raised funds to take those that wanted to go. On that trip I fell in love with the hospitality/tourism industry because of how the hotel and our tour guides treated us.

Ellen Lurz of Book My Group encouraged me to run this ? marathon for the children who might not otherwise be able to ever take a trip, some have never left their home city. I truly believe exposure through travel is key and an integral part of learning. After attending the SYTA Summit in St. Louis I took my 2 children back there for Spring break. From the Dred Scott museum to the Arch to the City Museum they were educated entertained and had one of the best trips we have ever taken. I truly believe the children are our future and I will do all that I can to expose as many children as possible. The SYTA Youth foundation is investing in our children?s future. I will think about that as I run. It's how I will finish this race and hopefully more to come.

Carmen W. McCloud
Key Account Director,
Airline and Leisure Sales & Service
IHG