Ride for AIDS Chicago Raises More than $110,000 for TPAN and BEHIV
Mon. June 16, 2008 12:00 AM
Ride Finishes Despite Inclement Weather
Chicago, IL -
More than 70 riders and 30 crew members fought a weekend of hot, windy and inclement weather on June 7 and June 8 to finish the sixth Ride for AIDS Chicago (RFAC), raising more than $110,000 for two of Chicago's leading HIV/AIDS services organizations, Test Positive Aware Network (TPAN) and Better Existence with HIV (BEHIV).
"This is the most successful Ride we've ever had, financially and logistically," said TPAN Executive Director. Rick Bejlovec. "We're very proud of all the participants who were enthusiastically determined to finish every mile of the Ride. You could see that they were fighting through the bad weather for a cause they really believe in."
On Saturday, riders faced hot, windy weather which ended with rain and threatening tornados as they reached their destination at Conference Point Center in Williams Bay, Wis. However, as storms left the area, riders and crew members enjoyed the bon fire social later in the evening.
On Sunday, heavy rains and wind closed the route for a half hour near Volo Bog State Park, Illinois, but eventually opened to sunny, warm weather during closing ceremonies as friends and family members greeted riders and crew members on the Norris Student Center's East Lawn on the campus of Northwestern University.
"Accomplishing the Ride is a very personal and sentimental achievement," said BEHIV Executive Director, Eric Nelson. "We want to thank all the riders and crew, but we also want everyone to know that their efforts and support go far beyond the 180 miles of the Ride."
Pledges can be made online at www.rideforaids.org until June 30, and 100% of pledges are returned to TPAN and BEHIV.
Sponsors for this year's RFAC include: NBC 5, Fairmont Hotel, GSK, Kuelbs & Rogers Interior Architects, Cheetah Gym, Crew Bar & Grill, Southwest Airlines, Smart Water, Neighborhood Direct, Juice Plus, and On The Fly Bike Repair, along with media sponsors ChicagoPride.com, Gay Chicago Magazine, and Windy City Media Group.
Next year's Ride for AIDS Chicago is scheduled for June 6-7, 2009.
For more information about Ride for AIDS Chicago, go to www.rideforaids.org or call (773) 989-9400.
"This is the most successful Ride we've ever had, financially and logistically," said TPAN Executive Director. Rick Bejlovec. "We're very proud of all the participants who were enthusiastically determined to finish every mile of the Ride. You could see that they were fighting through the bad weather for a cause they really believe in."
On Saturday, riders faced hot, windy weather which ended with rain and threatening tornados as they reached their destination at Conference Point Center in Williams Bay, Wis. However, as storms left the area, riders and crew members enjoyed the bon fire social later in the evening.
On Sunday, heavy rains and wind closed the route for a half hour near Volo Bog State Park, Illinois, but eventually opened to sunny, warm weather during closing ceremonies as friends and family members greeted riders and crew members on the Norris Student Center's East Lawn on the campus of Northwestern University.
"Accomplishing the Ride is a very personal and sentimental achievement," said BEHIV Executive Director, Eric Nelson. "We want to thank all the riders and crew, but we also want everyone to know that their efforts and support go far beyond the 180 miles of the Ride."
Pledges can be made online at www.rideforaids.org until June 30, and 100% of pledges are returned to TPAN and BEHIV.
Sponsors for this year's RFAC include: NBC 5, Fairmont Hotel, GSK, Kuelbs & Rogers Interior Architects, Cheetah Gym, Crew Bar & Grill, Southwest Airlines, Smart Water, Neighborhood Direct, Juice Plus, and On The Fly Bike Repair, along with media sponsors ChicagoPride.com, Gay Chicago Magazine, and Windy City Media Group.
Next year's Ride for AIDS Chicago is scheduled for June 6-7, 2009.
For more information about Ride for AIDS Chicago, go to www.rideforaids.org or call (773) 989-9400.