As far back as he can remember, Tyler Thomas has always enjoyed helping others.

Next summer, the 2008 Park City High School graduate is hoping to give back and then some as a participant in the Push America’s Journey of Hope program.

His plan is to ride a road bike cross-country starting in either Seattle or San Francisco promoting awareness for people with disabilities.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Thomas said. “It’ll be life-changing.”

Thomas is a junior at the University of Colorado and a member of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. Push America is a national philanthropy program through Pi Kappa Phi and, during his time in Boulder, Colo., Thomas spends two days a week working with children with disabilities from local schools.

“Seeing the smiles on their face when we work with them is a big inspiration,” he said.

The Journey of Hope is a program associated with the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity whose mission is to help members give back to the community through philanthropy.

Thomas must raise $5,000 to be eligible to participate in the cross-country trek from June 8 to Aug. 13 that ends in Washington D.C.

But the former PCHS captain of the soccer team that won the 3A state title in 2008 has his goals set a little bit higher.

“My personal goal is to raise $10,000,” he said.

“I figured I could hit that mark and I know it’s a lofty goal,” he said “I’m just going door-to-door.”

While the deadline for money raised is in early May, Thomas has already raised nearly $3,000 and, during his time home back in Park City, the business finance major has been going the extra mile.

Thomas has been in contact with numerous people in Park City in hopes he can help raise more money toward his cause and journey.

“I’ve always enjoyed helping out the community and doing community service,” he said.

He grew up mountain biking and admittedly isn’t a huge road-bike expert, but he has been in contact with local establishments such as Jans and ColeSports about a possible endorsement for the Push America project.

Thomas has been involved with Push America since he joined the fraternity in the fall of 2008 and became hooked.

The northern route of the Journey of Hope ride will go through Park City and some of the 85 riders of the fraternity from various colleges around the country will participate in activities with the National Ability Center.

Thomas said they will average 75 miles per day, generally in the morning, and the rest of the day will feature friendship visits with people with different disabilities.

He said he has been training and going on rides in Boulder and even started taking spin classes to prepare for the grueling ride ahead.

The Parkite is heading to Madrid, Spain, for the next few months for a study abroad semester and will be working on his fundraising by making calls and exchanging e-mails from the other side of the globe.

“I want to give back,” he said. “I’ve lived a pretty good life. I figured this is my chance.”

For more information on Thomas and his Journey for Hope project, go to http://secure.pushamerica.org/tylerthomas .