Jade Bartlett

I am raising money to support the children of Hands Across the Water because I believe that all children deserve to build a future full of possibilities, opportunities and dreams - a life of choice, not chance.

A little about Jade....

Meet Jade – the team’s adventure-loving, cat-cuddling, music-grooving spirit! Whether she’s camping, crafting, or just dancing it out in Zumba, Jade knows how to keep things fun-focused! When not at the local wine shop, traveling the world, snuggled up in front of a fire with a good book, or re-watching a classic 80s or 90s movie for the hundredth time, she’s in the kitchen whipping up fresh finds from the farmer’s market, usually with her favorite playlist going strong (concerts are another favorite, but can only be attended selectively due to the energy output at this age). Jade enjoys all of these activities and more with her soulmate and loving wife, Liz, and their two cats, Adler and Amira (who are still a little confused about why their humans are leaving them for two weeks but are supporting in their own way). Fun fact! Liz will also be joining this once-in-a-lifetime adventure ride - they appreciate all the support from their loved ones for them both!

A little about Hands....

Hands Across the Water [Hands] started as a charity in response to the Boxing Day Tsunami. Now we support 350+ children living in 7 homes and projects across Thailand. 

The kids who come to live in a Hands home are there because they have no choice. This is often the result of one of three heartbreaking situations:

  • They have no known family to care for them
  • They have a family member who is known to them, but is unable to care for them
  • They are living in an unsafe environment and have been placed in our care by the police or government

Hands not only provides the life-saving necessities for the kids in our homes, they also support many families in an outreach program to help keep kids out of our homes.

Just as important as filling their bellies with healthy food and providing a safe bed to sleep in, with the support of amazing donors like you, the vision of Hands is to help these kids see the opportunities that lie before them, to see a life of choice.

My hope is that you will make the choice to join me in this experience and help me reach my personal fundraising goal. Please make a donation today to support these children and provide them with a better future. 

Together we can truly make a difference - Donate now!

My Achievements

Updated Profile

Shared page

Received first donation

Reached 50% of Fundraising Goal

Reached 100% of Fundraising Goal

My Updates

Why Choose Hands?

Thursday 23rd Jan
  • What’s your personal “why” for joining this charity bike ride? What drives you to take on this challenge?


  • I’m thrilled to participate in this event because I believe in the importance of extending support, compassion, and love to all human beings, especially those who lack the basic resources many of us take for granted. Every child deserves access to essentials like shelter, food, and education. This event is a chance to do something meaningful that goes beyond our daily lives and the care we give to our own families and friends. It’s an opportunity to join hands in making a real impact, reaching across the globe to ensure all children have the chance for a safe, supported, and hopeful future.

  • What does this “charity/cause” mean to you personally?

    • Without the support of my extended family in my own childhood, I wouldn’t have had the amazing opportunities in life that I’ve been gifted. This is a chance to help afford opportunities to others and to show love and care from all around the world for children who deserve it!  

  • What are you most looking forward to about the ride, whether it’s the experience itself, the camaraderie, or something else?

    • What am I looking forward to most? Well, let’s start with proving that yes, I can push myself mentally and emotionally to tackle this ride, even without the so-called 'proper training' (sorry, Steve and team!). Along the way, I’m excited to explore parts of Thailand I haven’t seen yet and, of course, to reach the finish line and meet the incredible children we’re here to support.

  • What do you hope to achieve during the ride, both personally and for the cause?

    • If I can make it through the ride without heat stroke or the need to opt into an e-bike, then I would consider those achievements!  Oh, and let’s not forget the ‘prizes’—nothing says dedication like rocking the ultimate charity ride bike short and t-shirt tan!

  • Can you share an interesting fact about yourself that people might not know?

    • I was part of the inaugural A.P. (Film) Photography class at my high school - that’s right, old school black and white SLR photography (not like the fancy photography we can do now at Virtuance & Diakrit).

  • Who or what motivates you the most when it comes to challenges like this bike ride?

    • My wife. She is my biggest cheerleader and inspires me daily to be the best version of myself and encourages me to believe that I can do anything!

  • How are you preparing physically and mentally for the bike ride, and what’s been the most challenging part of your training?

    • Does riding to and from a brewery count? I’ve done that a couple times! In all seriousness, being in Chicago and heading into winter season - I am preparing to get a stand for my bike so that I can make it an indoor stationary bike and make sure I get some kilometers under my belt!

  • In your everyday life, how do you stay active or engaged with the community, and how does this event tie into that?

    • I'm involved in my community by being a neighborly and supportive presence, shopping locally and promoting local businesses, and by participating in local events, always aiming to support and connect with those around me. 

    • I also love to ensure I always remain solutions oriented and focus on providing value in my business interactions. As a partner, I want to make sure that I am actively involved and truly supporting those that I work with (internally and externally). This event now allows me to support on a much larger scale!

    • What’s one thing you want people to know about you, or your journey leading up to this ride, that might inspire others?

      • My wife and I may choose to adopt one day - until we are able to provide that loving home to a child, we are beyond excited to show our love and support to many children with this ride!

Thank you to my Sponsors

$3.04k

Liz Huff

So proud of you, babe! ❤️

$200

The Pearsons

$150

Jean Clough

Ride on!!!

$114.35

Susan Charette

Best of luck! Have fun!

$111.76

Michael Budlow

Go Jade Go!

$106.12

Anonymous

Go for it, Jade. Greet those there for us. Matthew & Nancy

$106.12

Stuart Foster & Caroline Gransee

Hi Jade - We couldn't let Liz be the only one who gets a donation!

$100

Jaclyn Hudson

Good luck Jade! Will be cheering for you!!

$100

Aaron And Erika Ford

Have a great ride!

$87.57

Colleen Rorison

Good luck Team!!

$87.57

Grandma

Good luck

$80.25

Sean And Navea Rapp

Pedal like the wind!

$75

Jim & Terri Bartlett

$54.12

Matthew Deering

$52.92

Mark Foisy

$50

Nicole Pickens

You go girl!

$50

Mike Duda

I hope this helps kick your wife's butt with the fundraising numbers. ;) It's about the children though!

$50

James Bartholomew

Jade - You are such an INCREDIBLE person and this is an AMAZING cause! Wishing you and your wife the best!

$50

David Ames

Go Jade Go!

$36.27

Katelyn Gustafson

Go Jade! So proud of you!

$36.27

Jeanette Presley

Love you, have a good time.

$36.27

Anonymous

$36.27

Amanda Rizzo

$33

Jenni Feeney

$27.81

Deena Semeniuk

Ride Safe!

$27.81

Terry Newton

We're rooting for you Jade! :)

$27.81

Vicki Haber

This is amazing, Jade - good luck on this incredible endeavor.

$27.81

Heidi Schendt

$22.58

Sarah Young

$11.65

Anonymous

$11.65

Michael Perry, Llc

$11.41

Anonymous

$10

Anonymous