In its 9th year, SMART Ride has raised more than $860,000 that will be divided among seven HIV/AIDS support agencies across Florida.
See a gallery of photos from 2012 SMART Ride!
According to SMART Ride founder Glen Weinzimer, the two-day, 165-mile bicycle ride from Miami to Key West attracted more than 400 riders. In their first year, they raised $169,000 and the event has grown every year since. The 2011 ride raised $685,000.
When asked about SMART Ride’s continued success, Weinzimer said, “I think a lot of it has to do with that we guarantee that 100% goes back to the benefiting agencies. We’ve gained a reputation for the event and the experience.”
This year’s ride attracted 181% more out-of-state riders, including two teams that traveled from California to participate.
“For us, the biggest growth has been the healthy competition between teams,” Weinzimer said. “It allows a person who is not the strongest fundraiser to participate because they can do fundraising with a group, and then lot of them surprise themselves by actually making the money.”
Participants are committed to raising $1,250 each. Weinzimer said the top 3 teams this year raised more than $250,000.
They opened re-registration at the 2012 event and have already registered 150 participants for the 2013 ride. Public registration will be available online soon at TheSmartRide.org. People who want to participate but don’t want to do the bicycle ride are invited to sign up to volunteer.
The 2012 benefiting agencies included Metro Wellness and Community Centers and Miracle of Love, Inc.
