Sarasota Storm weather and rainy forecasts didn't stop participants from enjoying the fourth annual AIDS Ride in Sarasota on April 21.
Participants raised more than $8,000 to assist several HIV/AIDS programs run by Trinity Charities in Sarasota and Manatee counties.
According to Greg Kaspar, the biggest challenge this year was communicating to the 30 registered riders that the ride was not canceled due to the weather.
â┚¬Å”It was difficult communicating that we were going ahead with it,â┚¬Â explained Greg Kaspar of Trinity Charities. â┚¬Å”Even with weather reports being really bad, we were out there early to set up and decided to go ahead. Fortunately we were able to bring out several riders.â┚¬ÂÂ
Sixteen riders took on the Legacy Trail and of those participants, two-thirds did the entire 25-mile journey. Others opted for the shorter 12-mile ride.
â┚¬Å”We had a good mix of men and women,â┚¬Â Kaspar said. â┚¬Å”We also had some children and some older folks. It was a good cross-section.â┚¬ÂÂ
The ride began at 9 a.m. at the YMCA on Potter Park Drive and the trail runs from South Sarasota to the Venice Train Station and back. Throughout the route, volunteers handed out refreshments for the riders. Money raised during the ride benefits several HIV/AIDS programs, including Trinity Charities' Healthy PWA Program.
â┚¬Å”The Healthy People With AIDS Program helps people with HIV/AIDS make healthy nutrition choices,â┚¬Â Kaspar explained. â┚¬Å”It's particularly focused on supplement strategies and helping people obtain and understand what different supplements will help them in different aspects. It also includes lifestyle training, like how to handle stress and the importance of exercise.â┚¬ÂÂ
Money raised at the AIDS Ride will also assist the organization's food bank, vitamin program and educational program.
Kaspar said donations were still coming in so he is hopeful that Trinity Charities will match the 2011 ride's $11,000 total. Those who were unable to participate in this year's ride but want to contribute can do so through the Trinity Charities website.
Trinity Charities' next big fundraiser is its annual AIDS Walk, which will return to the New College campus in December to commemorate World AIDS Day.
