The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.
by Linda Demyan, Red Cross Public Affairs Volunteer
What does it take to put on a successful fundraising event AND raise awareness? On November 12th, it took 170 bike riders and 130 volunteers who braved a very cold morning and ended up with an amazing sunny day and $75,000 in donations raised. Participants in the three rides (100-mile, 65-mile, and 30-mile courses) came out to Ventura County from all over Central and Southern California.
The youngest rider was 12-year-old Anthony Wear who rode with his grandfather Rick Lopez, an Army vet who comes from a large military family. For Lopez, this is the sixth-year riding in this event because it is the “best ride he’s ever been on, because it supports Vets and give everyone a chance to give back.”Other groups included Nestor Albances and his daughter April Guerrero who were part of a six-person team of family and friends. Albances, a Navy veteran, has participated every year after hearing about the ride while at work as a defense contractor at Point Mugu Naval Air Station. His daughter is riding for the first time because she “wanted to hang out with her dad and support a good cause at the same time.”The oldest riders were a group called “Old Kranks” who had 18 riders participating in both the 65- and 30-mile course. The average age of their group is 75. They offer weekly rides to their members and generally pick the course based on where they end up for lunch – but today Sam Proia, a veteran of the Air Force, said, “they are riding for the Vets.”Team Antique Road Show (ARS) has five members (two veterans) and rode in the 65-mile course. Together this group of long-time friends from Thousand Oaks helped to raise over $4300 because they wanted to show their support for fellow veterans.
Whether participants rode solo or as part of a group, everyone had big smiles on their faces as they approached the finish line and were greeted by cheers, clapping, and lots of noisemakers. And the volunteers, including those from local high schools, were equally inspired by the excitement and joy that was present.
In the end, the best example of that exuberance was Jeffrey Brown who made it back safely despite getting a nail in his tire just a few blocks from the finish line. Yet he can’t wait to do this again next year!
Although the Ride for the Red happens just one day each year, the Red Cross provides Service to the Armed Forces 24/7 every day of the year. Find out exactly what the Red Cross is doing for our active military and veterans, and then discover how you can help at Red Cross SAF
Red Cross Central California Blog 