With over 16 years in the nonprofit sector, Jen Wasem has raised over $100 million, leveraging her expertise in strategic philanthropy and brand marketing. Jen’s commitment to philanthropic excellence ensures the organization continues to lead in safeguarding vulnerable populations and building a strong community of Protectors.
We are still feeling the thrill, joy, and deep gratitude from Northwest Arkansas this past weekend! Our hearts are full as we reflect on the overwhelming support and sense of community that powered NWA Bike-a-Palooza. To every cyclist, volunteer, organizer, and sponsor who came together, thank you. You have not only shown up— you have shown what a community united in purpose can truly accomplish.
Being part of Bike-a-Palooza means more to us at the National Child Protection Task Force than words can fully capture. Northwest Arkansas welcomed us into this vibrant, close-knit community, and in turn, helped shine a light on the critical work we do to protect vulnerable children. Through your incredible efforts, you raised significant funds that will allow us to continue providing essential support to law enforcement and rescue efforts here in Arkansas and across the country.
But more than the funds, you’ve given us hope, encouragement, and the reminder that we are not alone in this fight. We are all protectors, united by our shared humanity and commitment to our kids.
A Community That Inspires Action
There is something so special about Northwest Arkansas. Perhaps it’s the trails that wind through the rolling hills or the warmth of the people who call this region home. But we think it’s something deeper— the fierce dedication to community, the unshakable belief that we can make a difference when we come together. And that’s exactly what the NWA community did at Bike-a-Palooza.
The energy of this event was electric. From the adrenaline-fueled races to the peaceful sunset rides, every pedal stroke carried with it a purpose: to uplift two local organizations. Dedicated volunteers worked tirelessly, cyclists pushed their limits, and families gathered to celebrate. It was a testament to the power of community, and it reminded us why we do what we do. You rallied around us, embraced our mission, and in doing so, extended protection to the missing and vulnerable children who need it most.
Our Commitment to Arkansas: Bringing Missing Kids Home
This year, our team at NCPTF has focused intensely on partnerships within Arkansas, working alongside local investigators to recover dozens of missing children already this year. Each case is a story of resilience, of never giving up, and of protective adults rallying together to bring kids home. And because of the incredible support from Bike-a-Palooza, we are ready to do even more focused work to help vulnerable populations.
In 2025, we’re excited to expand our efforts with targeted operations right here in Arkansas. Our plan is to bring our expertise directly to the communities that need us most. We will be conducting one-week remote intensives, working side-by-side with local law enforcement agencies on complex and longstanding missing child cases. This boots-on-the-ground approach means diving deep, sharing our tools, connecting vital resources, and accelerating investigations to help bring even more kids home.
We want to extend a heartfelt invitation to every community in Arkansas: If your agency has open missing child cases, reach out to us. Thanks to the incredible funding raised at Bike-a-Palooza, we have the resources to help, and we are ready to stand alongside you. Every single missing child deserves a team of experts searching for them, and together, we can make that happen.
Thank You to Our Community of Protectors
To the incredible team of volunteer organizers, all of the dedicated volunteers, and the cycling enthusiasts who made Bike-a-Palooza possible, we are profoundly grateful. You didn’t just create an event; you built a movement! You rallied a community of supporters, and you did it with heart, passion, and a deeply held belief that together, we can make a difference. You have poured your love into every detail, and it shows!!
Thank you to Walmart for your presenting sponsorship, to Pedal it Forward for your ongoing work to put more people on bikes, and to every single volunteer and cyclist who dedicated their weekend to this cause. Your efforts have empowered us to continue our mission with renewed vigor and optimism! You have not only supported us— you’ve helped create brighter futures for the most vulnerable among us: our children.
We Are Ready to Ride Forward Together
Bike-a-Palooza has shown us that hope is alive and well in Northwest Arkansas. It’s in every ride, every cheer, every dollar raised. It’s in the way this community shows up, over and over again, for each other and for those who need it most. We are deeply honored to be a part of this extraordinary journey, and we look forward to building on this momentum to make an even greater impact.
From all of us at the National Child Protection Task Force, thank you.
Thank you for riding with us, for believing in us, and for being a part of this mission. Together, we are stronger. Together, we are protectors. And together, we will bring our missing children home.
🚴 Let’s keep riding forward.
Join the movement
If you’re looking to make a bigger impact with NCPTF, join us as a Protector! Make a recurring monthly donation and receive a free Protector t-shirt, stories of impact, & exclusive access to Protector merch for the whole family.
Your support as a Protector directly translates into action across the nation by helping providing critical resources to bring missing kids home faster and help prevent future exploitation. Stand with us and be a part of this life-saving mission.
