Cold dip for a cool trip

Austin

Lonnie and Desiree Strader are going to do something crazy. On Jan. 18, the Moneta couple will jump into the frigid waters of Smith Mountain Lake.

No, it's not a stunt for a reality TV show. They're doing it to help raise money to send their son on a summer trip to Europe.

Austin, 12, was selected as a student ambassador for People to People, a program created by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to promote cultural exchanges between the United States and other countries.

"His belief was that war could be ended by people understanding other cultures," said Austin, a sixth-grade honor roll student at Staunton River Middle School.

The trip costs $8,400 and he's pulling out all the stops to raise the money, including standing on the dry shoreline while his parents take the icy dip.

"I'm a little worried about them, but I think it's going to be fun to watch them jump in the water," said Austin.

He's been visiting area business owners, asking for $20 sponsorships for the plunge. Many have accepted.

"A lot of people have had their kids in it [People to People], and they're donating because they said their kids' lives were changed by it," said Desiree.

Austin's parents will laminate the sponsors' business cards and clip them to their clothing for the event. The businesses also will be entered into a raffle for a lunch catered by Desiree, who owns Devo's Grill in Moneta.

Austin also has been selling candy bars, fresh mistletoe donated by family friends and his own toys to make the monthly installments required.

"I cleaned out my room," said Austin. "A lot of the stuff I've sold I haven't even opened or played with."

Austin said he picked through his toys, selected items he hasn't played with in a while, including Xbox and Playstation 2 games, and put them in a to-sell pile. He rented a space at SML Mini Shops on Hendricks Store Road to sell his wares.

In the next few months, Austin plans to raffle his foosball table to raise money. Also, Greg Coudoures, owner of SML Magic & Science Shop located at SML Mini Shops, and fellow illusionists will perform an evening magic show with ticket sales going to Austin's trip fund.

Over 21 days, he will visit France, Greece and Italy. In each country, the student ambassadors will visit three or four cities to sight-see, talk to residents and meet with government officials.

Although his parents won't be going, Austin will be in good hands, said Desiree.

"His delegate is his librarian from Moneta Elementary School," she said. "Can you imagine me sending my kid off to Europe with someone I don't know?"

The final installment payment for the People to People trip is due in May and Austin is determined to raise the money. He's driven not just by the opportunity, but also by the dwindling number of students who will be going.

"There were eight selected from the state of Virginia, but people are dropping out because of the financials," said Austin. "I'm the last man standing, so to speak, and I'm just pushing my hardest."