On November 15 and 16, five hundred cyclists will embark from Miami to Key West on a two-day journey. They and more than 250 volunteers are raising more than one million dollars in support to seven HIV/AIDS service organizations across Florida.
At sunrise on Friday, November 15th, riders, volunteers and guest speakers will gather at the University of Miami’s Watsco Center to wish our riders the best as they set out on the nation’s second largest AIDS bike ride.
Over the past fifteen years, The SMART Ride has raised and awarded over $10.5 million dollars. They guarantee that 100% of every dollar raised is given back to organizations so they may provide services at no cost to individuals in need. This year’s primary beneficiaries are • AH (AIDS Help) of Monroe County • Broward House • Children’s Diagnostic & Treatment Center (Broward) • Compass Community Center of Palm Beach • Metro Inclusive Health (serving Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas Counties) • Miracle of Love (serving Central Florida) • and Pridelines in Miami-Dade.
In addition, each year up to 10% of the total raised from the SMART Ride is set aside so they may gift funds to other agencies throughout Florida who also provide services for those living with HIV/AIDS or helping to prevent the spread of this disease. Since this program started in 2012, they have distributed over $600,000 to 25 organizations.
This year’s sponsors include: CAN Community Health (Title Sponsor), ViiV Healthcare, Broward Health, Clear Health Alliance, FedEx, Gilead Sciences, Inc., Macy’s, Merck, AHF, Hunters Nightclub, Crew Health, and others.
For more information please visit Thesmartride.org.
