From well before the dawn until just past high noon, on the Saturday before Veteran’s Day, hundreds of hardy cyclists took to the streets of beautiful Ventura County for fun, camaraderie and an important humanitarian mission. Supported by scores of Red Cross volunteers, these weekend warriors cruised the local by-ways to benefit the Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces, which supports military members, veterans and their families.
Most of the team from Kinecta Group, an event sponsor, rode the 30-mile ride, while a few of the more hardy team members opted for the 65-mile ride. The team was cheered on by Jeff Yomemura, chair of the Kinecta board, and Michael Issakhani, Woodland Hills branch manager, who said, “We are sponsoring the Ride for the Red because it’s a good cause.”
Decked out in a bright orange kit emblazoned with the Marine logo, Andrew Bonica is riding in his seventh Ride for the Red. When he was deployed in Iraq, he remembers the Red Cross bringing messages to his colleagues from family members, including pregnant wives. After his service, Andrew kept connected with the Red Cross by teaching CPR. It was through his work with Yamaha Guitars, a sponsor of Ride for the Red, that he was reconnected again. Andrew says “I love this event and I am going to invite all my marine buddies to join next year. Cycling, music, food, and great people, here!”
This was Joe Nilsestuen’s fifth year Riding for the Red, and he is the number two highest fundraising cyclist for the event. Joe lives in Venice, CA, and is a board member for the Red Cross Santa Monica chapter. He’s spread the word about the ride, inspiring eight of his cyclist friends to participate and even more to contribute.
Colleen Nevins (pictured center) has been a volunteer nurse for the Red Cross since 2015, and this is her second Ride for the Red event. Colleen volunteers for the Red Cross “because of all the facets that it serves, from military to disaster preparedness.” She explains that volunteers can serve in many ways and that it is a great way to give back to the community. She enjoys using her nursing skills in different environments, such as on the rest stops of the Ride for the Red events
Stories by Anna Kumor, Public Affairs Volunteer
Photos by the Public Affairs Team
The 2023 Ride for the Red is already in the books but you can still support military and veteran families by donating to Red Cross Service to Armed Forces. Your generosity will provide care and comfort to those who serve our nation.
Red Cross Central California Blog 