The Building People Hosts Journey of Hope Riders in Leesburg for Final Overnight Stop Before D.C.

Leesburg, VA — On August 8, The Building People proudly hosted the final overnight stop of Journey of Hope, the national cross-country cycling event organized by The Ability Experience. Escorted by local police and cheered on by the Leesburg community, the cyclists arrived at The Building People and The Depot headquarters for an afternoon of celebration, reflection, and rest ahead of their final ride to Washington, DC.

Journey of Hope is a signature event of The Ability Experience, the philanthropic arm of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity. Each summer, two teams of cyclists ride a combined 8,000 miles to promote inclusion and raise awareness for people with disabilities. Their journey blends endurance, service, and connection—changing perceptions and building community in every city they visit.

This marks the second year The Building People has hosted the riders, aligning the event with the company’s Hearts & Hands philanthropy campaign, centered on the pillars of Community, Gratitude, Giving Back, and Mentoring.

“Our team is honored to support the incredible riders of Journey of Hope and the purpose they represent,” said Lawrence Melton, CEO of The Building People. “Opening our doors to them is more than hospitality, it’s a shared commitment to inclusion, service, and stronger communities.”

The afternoon featured remarks from company leadership, local officials, and nonprofit partners, followed by food, music, and a spirited cornhole tournament that raised $400 for the Jack Trottier Foundation, an organization supporting individuals with spinal cord injuries. The Building People matched the funds and rounded the total donation to $1,000.

After the festivities, the cyclists stayed overnight at The Depot, The Building People’s coworking and event space, which was transformed into a welcoming rest stop.

The celebration brought together Loudoun County officials, the Town of Leesburg, and local businesses in a united show of support. Together, they helped create a memorable experience for the cyclists—and a lasting reminder of the power of unity, inclusion, and community impact.

To learn more about The Ability Experience and the Journey of Hope, visit www.abilityexperience.org.