Rev. Aaron Brown, Royale Energy CEO join Present Hope cycling tour

(News release from Royale Energy)

Royale Energy, Inc. donated major support for the recent "Present: Hope" cycling tour across America, raising money to assist the continuing needs of storm victims from Joplin, MO. The disaster was the deadliest single tornado in U.S. history. The tour was led by Convoy of Hope, Venture Expeditions and Catalyst's Christian Leadership Conferences. More than $100,000 was raised through the project and Royale was a major sponsor for the efforts.

In addition to financially supporting the team of 13 cyclists on their 11 day, 800 mile trek across the USA, Royale's Co-CEO Stephen Hosmer took part as one of the riders. He was joined by participants including Rev. Aaron Brown, senior pastor of St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Joplin. In his congregation six attendees were killed, 99 families were left homeless, another 70 families had property damage and his worship center was destroyed in the storm earlier this year.

"Participating in Present: Hope tour was a natural fit," noted Hosmer. "I simply used my love of cycling to raise awareness and support for Convoy of Hope to continue their ongoing work in Joplin."

The cross country bicycle tour began on September 25 in Joplin and ended October 5 in Atlanta when the cyclists rode into Gwinett arena to the cheers of more than 13,000 Catalyst conference attendees. Venture Expeditions organized the ride and coordinated meetings where local donors could lend support to the team. The ride led to national exposure when media, including CNN highlighted the story.