Loop the Lake for Literacy April 2011 - Images by Collins Center

Loop The Lake For Literacy

The Collins Center, under the guise of the "Southern Shores of Lake Okeechobee" tourism brand, witnessed more than 200 cyclists loop the lake promoting literacy in Palm Beach County. This inaugural cycling event, held April 2, was established as a fundraiser benefiting the programs of the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County.

Loop the Lake for Literacy garnered national attention as participants traveled from as far as Buffalo, NY, South Africa and England to participate. Bicycle enthusiasts had an opportunity to journey through Glades, Okeechobee, Martin, Palm Beach, and Hendry counties.

Bicycle wheels spun rapidly around the shores of Lake Okeechobee creating a positive stir. "This event put our beautiful community on a larger map," said Butch Wilson, Director of the Clewiston Museum. "It was very well organized and successful."

When Steve Leveen was asked what inspired him to choose Lake Okeechobee for a cycling adventure, he answered, "I came down here and fell in love with the lake and the people who live in the surrounding communities."

The "Southern Shores of Lake Okeechobee" tourism brand was established as an economic development component of the Lake Okeechobee Regional Initiative (LORI). LORI helped sponsor the event.