On Saturday, June 13, the Blue Ridge/ Back Roads chapter hosted their annual Jamie’s Ride for a Cure event. This ride was specifically to raise money so that children with Juvenile, also called Type 1, Diabetes can attend Camp Sweet Tooth. This camp is geared towards children with diabetes who cannot attend regular summer camps. As the father of a daughter with Type 1, I love being able to support this cause.
Two police SUVs blocked traffic for each of the five groups of riders that set out for a gorgeous ride on some roads that are right up there with the Dragon. Seven different ABATE chapters and many individual riders participated in the day’s activities. Besides the ride itself, there was good food, live music, and door prizes galore.
Delegate Sam Rasoul’s outreach aide, Dominic, dropped by to learn more about us and our community outreach and legislative issues. Jamie, who is becoming a great spokesperson, and other chapter members got great public relations with a Channel 7 interview before the event. In all, over $30,000 was raised, a 50% increase over last year’s ride. Congratulations to all involved.
Besides being a great cause, this is the kind of good publicity that helps us with the General Assembly in Richmond. Community outreach is great. It is even better when people know about it. Looking forward to next year’s ride.
