2008 SMART Riders and Crew, YOU DID IT!!! It is Tuesday morning 11/18 and my body still aches, so I can only imagine how you riders and crew are still feeling. Hard to believe all of that planning, meeting, and training is all over in a flash, but alas it is.
The tears are streaming as I compose this message. We not only planned another successful SMART Ride and rode 165 miles, but we raised the most funds ever. $577,940 was the amount that we announced from the stage. Pledges continue to come in so I am sure that number will climb even higher. Even so, we raised 45% more than we did in 2007, that amount alone is higher than the funds raised in 2003!
Even though the ride is over there is still work to do. The trucks/cars have been returned, supplies stored back in the warehouse, but never fear there is still about 8 more weeks to go until we close out the 2008 SMART Ride. We will blast email out the check distribution party date so that all can attend.
Again, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for all your efforts and this tremendous experience you allowed me to share with you.
With love and adoration,
David Spacht
2008 SMART Ride Director
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Posted on November 17, 2008
OVER $578,000 RAISED!!!
On Friday morning before the sun came up over 600 participants of this years SMART Ride started their personal two day journey south to Key West. CBS and ABC covered the opening ceremonies and ride out and was the lead story that morning and evening on the news! Helicopters whirled overhead with TV Cameras.
The riders traveled SAFELY from Miami to Key West and were supported by our Medical team and crew of over 200 caring, compassionate individuals.
On Saturday, after a parade down Duval Street the ride ended with a special appearance by Leslie Jordan who welcomed the "riderless cycle". Later as the sun blared over head the announcement of record breaking participation and a 45% increase in fund raising dollars. The promise once again kept of returning 100% of all money raised to the six benefiting agencies was made.
In the coming days and weeks pictures will be available to be viewed on line (currently participants can add some of your favorites by clicking on the gallery and then going to this years participant picture site). If you would like to purchase the official pictures of the ride, the cost is $15, contact Michael Glinter at mglinte1@tampabay.rr.com.
All Pledges received during the ride will appear in personal accounts withn the next two weeks (we took in over $70,0000 on registration day alone), it's going to take us a bit to get all those donors input.
For now the riders and crew need to bask in their success and KNOW deep in their hearts they made a REAL difference and make a real difference everyday by who they are and what they do for humanity.
Much Love and Respect,
The SMART Ride.
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