There is good inside everyone. Sometimes you can even find it in your own backyard.

RAGBRAI, the annual bike ride across Iowa, brings visitors to our state from all over the world. Riders unplug from their daily lives and plug into the spirit of the small towns across the state. This year, Ames (our home) was proud to be one of the host cities.

One team of bikers - the Whiners, 30-year veterans of RAGBRAI - found themselves camping at a park in my family’s backyard. Light introductions were made. Water for showers was offered. The subject of Greater Than Goods came up. (This is where the good begins.)

The Whiners were moved by our story. Inspired, they held an impromptu auction of authentic Aussie goods donated by a DJ from the land down under. They asked that the proceeds go toward our cause, to help Iowa recover from the summer storms. They, too, wanted to benefit the 2008 Disaster Fund.

On that night, people from across the country (New Hampshire, Florida, Connecticut, Michigan, etc.) and halfway around the world (Australia) came together to express the good that lives inside each of us.

Thank you, Whiners, wherever you are!