|
|
| |
OUR STORY
Like many things that change us and the world in some way, it starts with a dream, a vision, and an idea. The Southern Most AIDS/HIV Ride Twenty-Ten is no different. It was born out of a dream to make a real and significant difference in the lives of those infected, affected and at risk for HIV/AIDS.
|
SMART Ride 1 began as a dream to create a bicycle event where 100% of pledges raised could go back to the communities to be used for direct services. That was over seven years ago, and so far $2.2 million dollars have been raised. 100% has been given back to the communities we serve to assist with direct services for individuals infected or affected by HIV/AIDS.
|
|
|
What makes SMART Ride unique?
The ride is fully supported and designed to allow riders of all degrees of experience to participate. This is a ride not a race. Each participant pays an $85 registration fee and riders commit to raise a minimum of $1,250 in donations. Although that amount to fund raise may seem daunting, we are continually amazed by what we see participants accomplish. The average rider raises over $1,800. 100% of pledges raised by participants are guaranteed to go to direct services and participants maintain a degree of control over the distribution of 50% of their pledges to the benefiting agencies.
|
|
Our participants come from across the State of Florida from as far south as Key West, as far North as Jacksonville, from Tampa to Palm Beach. Nationally from as far as Hawaii to as close as our neighboring state of Georgia, not to mention Internationally. We attract between 400-500 participants with each event, but that doesn’t include the thousands of donors making pledges and the family/friends of each participant. So our reach is far.
|
|
|
Riders and crew range in age from 18 to 73. They are involved because:
- 19% are Positive
- 36% have lost someone to HIV/AIDS
- 50% know someone living with HIV/AIDS
- Everybody believes it is the right thing to do!
Our sponsors are Independent/Family Owned Businesses, Regional and National Companies. All believe that being involved is a life changing experience and want an opportunity to give back to the community. Sponsors donate cash, products, service and also put together riding teams. Thanks to them, we are able to produce a safe event and donate 100% of the pledges raised back to the community.
|
So whether you ride, crew, sponsor or donate, it takes all of us to make a difference in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Remember the famous quote by anthropologist Margaret Mead, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
So come join us on our 165 mile journey from Miami to Key West. It is a 2 day experience you will never forget!
|
|
|
|
