The American dream at the turn of the century must have changed.Now it includes an Internet site, a 700-page journal of yourexperiences and kickoff on the Donny and Marie show.
The Graham family of Wichita, Kan., may be the pioneers of thenewAmerican dream. By barnstorming 50 states in a GMC Vandura, they'vestarted their own grass-roots media blitz.
The Grahams, who visited Charleston for the second time Monday,have parlayed their journey into appearances on CNN, Today, NationalPublic Radio, The View, Ladies Home Journal and countless dailynewspapers."We just decided to be goodwill ambassadors," said Marlene Graham,the 41-year-old mother behind the trip. "We're self-appointedones."They must be striking a chord with someone."The family that has done what others may only dream about,"Barbara Walters gasped on the jacket of a book detailing the Grahamfamily journey. "An extraordinary adventure."Today's Al Roker chimed in: "One heck of a story. Talk aboutquality family time."If everyone gets 15 minutes of fame, the Grahams are getting anentire year. In Charleston, the family was waiting on calls from theOprah Winfrey Show about a possible appearance.The family of four began its journey in November from the set ofthe Donny and Marie show in Los Angeles. Their plan is to continueuntil next November, stopping at every last state.The trip's goals, according to a prepared media fact sheet:"promoting kindness for the new millennium; sharing adventure with aworldwide audience; researching kindness in America."This is actually the second trip across the country for Marlene,44-year-old father Craig, 14-year-old Courtney and 6-year-oldCollier.Inspired in 1996 by what they call "middle-class meltdown," theGrahams gave up their 15- to 20-hour work days, sold their house andstarted across the country.The Internet site they ran during the trip - www.usatrip.org -built up such a following, Marlene Graham said newspapers andtelevision stations started reaching the family for interviews.Sometimes, the Grahams allowed, they called the media themselves.When they returned to Wichita, Marlene wrote a 700-page book aboutthe experience called "Headfirst Into America." But the Grahamsrealized they hadn't seen enough, so they started packing again.Every sequel needs a hook. This time, the Grahams arevolunteering at various stops. They work at soup kitchens and planttrees. And they dressed as penguins to promote Boston's aquarium.Their brief stay in Charleston did not include any volunteerefforts, but they visited with a Dunbar woman and stayed overnightwith a Clendenin family."There's something neat about this area," said Marlene Graham,adding that she doesn't offer the same praise everywhere the familystops. "People are friendly elsewhere, but they're extra friendlyhere."Writer Brad McElhinny can be reached at 348-1244.-30-
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