positive focus fall 2009
www.stapinc.org
Serving Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Otsego, Tioga & Tompkins Counties
Energize. Educate. End AIDS. T
he 2009 AIDS Ride for Life on September 12th this year and we are happy to report it was a wonderfully successful year with many enthusiastic riders and volunteers. The day started well before dawn as the bikers arrived at Stewart Park. Slowly, as the lake became visible and volunteers no longer had to use their flashlights, the parking lot filled with riders. Friends and family members hurried about helping to adjust brakes, pump some air in those tires and share words of encouragement with their riders. First, we had a few moments to reflect on the reasons we ride and why the Southern Tier AIDS Program is important to the communities it serves. We heard from the Executive Director and from one of our clients. By 7:00 am, all 325 riders were ready to go and our motorcyclists prepared to lead the riders out of Stewart Park and up the first of many hills. The day progressed well, riders were met with some rain in the morning but the weather remained ideal for riding. The pit stops set up along the way allowed riders to take necessary breaks, replenish, re-hydrate and be cheered on by our wonderful pit stop crews! By 6:15 pm, all riders and volunteers arrived back at Stewart Park for our dinner celebration and party. The energy generated by 800 people who have all donated their time and money towards the same cause is certainly contagious! This community came together to show their care and concern for others. This year’s Ride was a clear indicator that our community enjoys the sense of accomplishment in giving of themselves so that others may benefit. We are delighted to announce that we raised over $250,000 that go directly to the services provided by the Southern Tier AIDS Program. Such a successful community event would not be possible without a committed group of riders, volunteers, in kind donors, sponsors, city officials, motorcyclists, radio operators, support and gear drivers, bicycle technicians and committee members. A special thanks goes out to our two largest sponsors and in-kind donors, Ithaca Cayuga Optical Services and CSP Management, who have both been an integral part of the AIDS Ride since its inception. Thank you! Planning for next year has begun so mark your calendars now for September 11th, 2010!
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