LARGEST HIV/AIDS RIDE ON THE EAST COAST GEARS UP TO BREAK $1 MILLION ONCE AGAIN!
SMARTRIDE 18 GEARS UP TO BREAK $1 MILLION ONCE AGAIN!
The SMART Ride prepares to embark on its 18th journey from Miami to Key West, departing from University of Miami on Friday, November 19th, arriving in sunny Key West on Saturday, November 20th. Featuring 500 riders from across the United States and Canada, and as far as New Zealand, and 200 crew members and volunteers who share one common goal, to raise awareness and funds for HIV/AIDS programs and services in hopes of creating an AIDS-free generation.
“My commitment to The SMART Ride remains unwavering. It is unacceptable that over 40 years after the onset of this epidemic, we are still seeing high rates of people who are newly diagnosed with HIV and who don’t have adequate access to competent services or resources in order to live healthy lives. South Florida continues to report the highest rates of new infection throughout the country. We need to start talking about HIV and AIDS like we did back in the ’80s instead of pretending that it doesn’t exist or isn’t an “issue” anymore,” said Glen Weinzimer, founder of The SMART Ride. “This event is truly unique because it creates a community, better said it creates a family, that comes together to do just that, create awareness, and fund resources. This year, after not seeing each other for nearly two years, we are elated to bring everyone back together, to welcome new members, and to hit the road once again, because together we can do anything!”
TSR Adventures, Inc., dba “The SMART Ride,” is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization. TSR Adventures, Inc. is committed through the combination of individual contributions and public/private partnerships to creating, producing, and/or overseeing community-based events in which 100% of what the participant raises is returned to benefiting non-profit organizations. In so doing, the organization acts as an avenue for change in the non-profit fundraising community. TSR Adventures, Inc. is proud to produce The SMART Ride in South Florida for eighteen consecutive years. South Florida (Miami-Dade and Broward Counties) continues to have the highest rate of new HIV/AIDS infections in the country. HIV/AIDS affects everyone regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation, but young men of color who engage in sex with men are disproportionately affected by the epidemic. While Federal funding and the future of healthcare remain uncertain, HIV/AIDS continues to affect the lives of thousands of people living in South Florida. The SMART Ride provides necessary funds to support seven Florida-based non-profit organizations that provide direct programs and services to people living with or affected by HIV/AIDS.
“We remain eternally grateful for the generosity of all the riders and crew whose commitment to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic did not waiver at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and has remained strong throughout”, says Victor Diaz-Herman, CEO of Pridelines, the Miami beneficiary agency, and South Florida’s oldest LGBTQ direct services agency. “This is just another great example of how our community bands together to support each other when facing adversity. We have done so throughout the AIDS epidemic, and now through a pandemic. We are strong, we are united, and we are committed to ensuring that a safe and healthy future for generations to come.”
The fact is that people living with HIV have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19. Now, more than ever, we need your support to help provide them with lifesaving and life-changing programs and services. Get involved today! To register as a volunteer, to donate, and to learn more about The SMART Ride 18, please visit www.TheSmartRide.org.
