Photo via EPIC/Facebook.
ST. PETERSBURG | Empath Partners in Care is seeking community support ahead of the 20th annual SMART Ride, scheduled to return for its two-day, 165-mile trek from Miami to Key West Nov. 17-18.
Participants in the annual event have raised nearly $15 million for AIDS services in Florida since 2003. That includes over $1 million during SMART Ride 19, when EPIC became a benefiting agency and received $150,985.46 as a result.
EPIC also participated in SMART Ride 19 by raising $30,000 through their cycling team We are EPIC and providing crew members, volunteers who ensure riders have access to food, water and maintenance along the route. They’re seeking community support to do the same in 2023:
Organizers are hoping to raise $2 million during SMART Ride 20. This year’s beneficiaries are EPIC in Tampa Bay, Broward House in Wilton Manors, Pridelines in Miami-Dade County, Miracle of Love in Central Florida, Compass Community Center in Palm Beach County and A.H. of Monroe in Monroe County.
“It’s time to jump back on the bike for the 20th Anniversary SMART Ride,” EPIC’s website reads. “This 165-mile ride over some of the most scenic roads in the country gives 100% of dollars raised back to HIV services organization, including EPIC, throughout Florida.
“Join We Are EPIC and ride, join the crew and support riders throughout the race or donate to the cause,” it continues. “No matter how you choose to support the SMART Ride it makes a difference for those impacted by HIV/AIDS in Florida.”
To raise additional awareness and funds, EPIC and longtime SMART Riders the Tampa Bay Area Cyclists will hold the 10th Kick Up Your Heels, a fundraiser celebrating “A Decade of Divas!” at Empath Health in Clearwater. Last year’s event raised $20,000 for SMART Ride.
“We return to this venue to serve you wigs, makeup and heels for a great cause,” TBAC’s Facebook event page reads. “Great prizes, divas and cocktails oh my!! See you and your friends on Sat., Sept. 16th!”
Those interested in riding or crewing SMART Ride 20 are encouraged to sign up soon. EPIC shares that the organization is thankful for continued support from throughout the region.
“We are honored to be a beneficiary of the 2023 SMART Ride,” EPIC Executive Director Joy Winheim said in a statement. “The funds raised will benefit the Tampa Bay community so we can provide more education and prevention services as well as ensure our HIV+ community members have what they need to live healthy lives.”
For more information about supporting EPIC and SMART Ride 20, visit MyEPIC.org/SMARTRide and TheSMARTRide.org. Learn more about Kick Up Your Heels here.
