On November 22-23, history was made as five incredible organizations—Pridelines, Compass Community Center, Empath Partners in Care (EPIC) - St. Petersburg, MIRACLE OF LOVE INC, and Broward House—came together to organize, fundraise, and implement The Joy Ride, a 165-mile journey from Miami to Key West. This two-day event marked the inaugural chapter of a new tradition, taking the baton from The SMART Ride, which retired after 20 years of remarkable impact.
The SMART Ride paved the way for this moment, having raised millions to support HIV/AIDS awareness, prevention, and treatment programs across Florida. Now, with The Joy Ride, we honor their legacy while creating a new vision—a ride that expands its focus to uplift and support the LGBTQ+ community through holistic services, programs, and advocacy.
The Joy Ride is more than a physical challenge; it's a movement. It signifies resilience, community, and the power of collaboration. By working together, these five organizations ensured that the spirit of giving, hope, and unity lives on, continuing to make a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve.
This year’s inaugural Joy Ride is a passing of the torch—a chance to reimagine what’s possible, to deepen the impact, and to bring fresh energy to the causes that matter most. Together, we’ve built a foundation for a brighter future, one that embraces innovation and inclusivity while staying rooted in a legacy of compassion.
To everyone who rode, cheered, volunteered, or donated: thank you for believing in the power of community. Together, we are stronger. Together, we bring joy. This event is just the beginning—but we can’t do it alone. Your support is critical to ensuring we meet our fundraising goals and continue providing life-saving services and programs to those who need them most.
Donate today and help us create a future where health, dignity, and joy are accessible to all. Every dollar raised directly supports the programs of these five organizations, ensuring our community receives the care, resources, and advocacy it deserves.
Let’s keep the ride going, together.
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