The DC AidsRide is a major fundraising
event for Food and Friends which counts on the Ride
for at least 25% of its annual budget. About 1700 bicyclists
gather pledges to participate; the Riders bicycle from
Raleigh N.C. to Wash D.C. It's about 340 miles, beginning
on a Thursday morning in mid-June and ending on Sunday
morning. Last year [2000] the Ride raised almost $1,500,000
for Food and Friends and an equal amount for the Whitman-Walker
Clinic.
My own involvement with the
Ride began with the first Ride in 1996,
and I've done the Ride each year since, and will do so
again in
June 2001. My involvement is a direct result of my participation
in our beloved church. Food and Friends became one of
our Social Action ministries in l994, so when I did the
first Ride in 1996, I knew the church members would be
supportive with pledges. I'm not a professional or experienced
cyclist; my first bike ride in years was in 1995, (at
a church auction event!). I feel fortunate to be able
to do something like this, which is an immense challenge
physically,. mentally, and spiritually. But I'm sustained
and encouraged by so many persons; I view the Ride as "something
we do", not "something I do."
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