The cyclist, roadies, staff, and the entire production were and continue to be impressive. I was always hoping that I would eventually take the challenge to cycle and fundraise for the cause. I came close the last four years, but always found a reason not to participate, but continue supporting the effort through donations.
I don't know what was different about the beginning of 2014, granted I had a couple of mimosas in me, but that had been hours before I made the decision to register on Sunday night, January 26. This definitely was the right decision to continue helping our community.
That night, I registered, looked at the information and learned what truly was involved. I did this in reverse, but I've loved every minute of the experience so far. The first night I posted on Facebook a request for donations to AIDS/LifeCycle.
When I woke up in the morning, Marti Nemer, a former co-worker from my Jones Lang LaSalle days was the first to donate. I was so touched that Marti, from Dallas, Texas, and someone I talk to maybe once a year initiated the support.
A few things happened after signing up for the ride:
- I started my training program immediately the next day with indoor cycling and eventually out on the road a few days later when I purchased a bicycle for training and the ride
- Supporters raised the minimum $3000-donation required for each rider in just 5 days
- Donations continued to come in at a steady pace, so that after only 18 weeks, our efforts contributed $35,670 to the more than $15 Million raised for 2014
- The most important news that tugs at my heart is that I recently found out in early 2014, after registering for the ride, that a relative benefits directly from the San Francisco AIDS Foundation resources, which includes housing, medical services, and other day-to-day needs - I had no idea
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