The American Red Cross relies on its volunteers. And some volunteers go an extra mile (or 61) to support the organization. Sean Morreale is one of those volunteers, and Ride for the Red is his passionate way of giving back.
Ride for the Red was created in 2014 by enthusiastic local volunteers eager to share the story and history of the Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces. The Red Cross helps members of the military, veterans, and their families prepare for, cope with, and respond to the challenges of military service. Since 9/11, the Red Cross has served more than 1 million military families. The Red Cross is the only military service organization that supports military families from the day they enlist through their time as a veteran, by providing critical emergency communications for military families, deployment services, veterans programs, financial assistance, and referral information through a network of key community partners. All proceeds from Ride for the Ride benefit your local Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces program.
As Sean says, “Given my passion for the cause, I started reaching out to friends and family for financial support of my ride. Over the years I’ve personally challenged myself to raise more money each year.” Then he adds with a smile, “I’m competitive! And I’ve found along the way that people are genuinely looking for ways to support excellent organizations—and specifically invest in people like myself and others with similar passions, who are willing to invest our time and energy to do so much good for others.” He has continued to ask people for support, challenged donors to increase their support, and use several of his social media channels as a way to broaden his reach for his impressive fundraising goals.
Sean is passionate about supporting the efforts of this ride, “via my fundraising/bike riding, which enables me to serve the best of both worlds: the American Red Cross as one of our national treasures, and the military members of our country who help ensure our freedoms, along with the wonderful families that support them.” He has been the top fundraiser for Ride for the Red year after year, and has big plans to maintain that achievement again this fall.
Sean has been riding his “road bike” for the last six years or so. “A friend of mine got me interested in it, and I’ve really enjoyed the camaraderie of riding as well as being able to clear my mind and enjoy a nice long ride in our beautiful county surroundings. Also, it’s kept me in decent physical condition over the years.”
For the 2021 Ride for the Red, “I’m planning to ride in the Metric Century (61 miles) and of course I’m planning to beat my last year’s fundraising efforts,” he says with a wink. “But I’m also excited to share what a series of small gestures and actions can do to improve the lives of others. Everyone can make a difference. It’s easy! And it can be fun with events like Ride for the Red.”
In his day job, Sean is a Regional Commercial Banking Manager for Pacific Western Bank and has been in banking for over 30+ years. His local relationship team supports companies in the Ventura, Santa Barbara, and Northern Los Angeles counties with their financing and cash management needs.
Sean and his wife and have three children, a 23-year-old daughter, a 20-year-old daughter, and a soon to be 17-year-old son. He has resided in Camarillo (Santa Rosa Valley area) since 2005. Prior to that, he and his family lived in the Seattle metropolitan area from 1993–2005.
During his leisure time, Sean enjoys running and cycling. He is a lover of football, an avid Bruce Springsteen fan, and he likes working on classic cars. In addition, “I started a non-profit organization to sell my own photography as a fundraising tool for other non-profits. I began this about a year ago, and my current goal is to fund at least one non-profit organization in all 50 U.S. States, with at least $50 or more of support . . . for starters.” All net sales proceeds, less cost of production and shipping, are entirely donated. “As I sell more of my photography, I’ll give away more dollars!” You can see Sean’s latest fundraising endeavor at www.livingproofphotography.org
Ride with Sean with a ½ Metric Century (30 mile), Metric Century (61 miles) and Century (99 mile) cycling ride at Ride for the Red on Saturday, November 13th at redcross.org/rideforthered. To support Sean’s fundraising efforts, you can contribute to his fundraiser
Everyone can make a difference. It’s easy! And it can be fun with events like Ride for the Red.
Sean Morreale
Red Cross Central California Blog 