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Napa Valley, California – September 27, 2014
The 10th Annual Napa Valley Ride to Defeat ALS
and Walk was an extraordinary day filled with the hope and action needed
to conquer Lou Gehrig's Disease. Held at the Yountville Veterans
Home, the Ride offered five stunning cycling routes through beautiful wine
country, ranging from 12-miles to 100-miles, as well as a short walk. With over 1100 participants and more money
raised than ever before, the event was a huge success. To date, this year’s Ride has raised more than
its goal of $750,000 to support the work of The ALS Association.
“This
year was the largest and most prosperous Napa Valley Ride ever,” shared Matt
Chaney, Ride Committee Co-Chair. “Coming
on the heels of the summer’s Ice Bucket Challenge, it has been a blue ribbon
year for ALS awareness and donations to The ALS Association.”
Rick Stuart of Team Ride For Ray And More
enjoyed his experience, “I did a nice 20k cruise on my Electra Bicycle Company Rat Fink 3 speed and had a fun day at
a mellow 10mph pace. Many thoughts about my dad and my friend Jeff were in the
mix for me as well. The day was great.”
Russ Rylie, Board Member and Captain of Lana’s Warriors, “It's a great feeling to know
everyone here is supporting the ALS cause.
The ride was great. Everyone was having fun.”
Tony Santos, chair
of the South Bay Walk committee lent his support through his company-Tony’s
Caters- who served a delicious lunch to the hungry riders at the Yountville
Veteran’s Home. Guest were also treated
to the sounds of P. Dog and the Bone Retrievers.
With the help of the
Ice Bucket Challenge, more people in the general public are learning about the
disease than ever before. The ride
organizers held their own Ice Bucket Challenge Booth and invited riders to
refresh after the race. Thank you to all
of the riders who volunteered to get soaked by the Ice Bucket Challenge, including
Charles Blank, Alex Size, Rick and Cheri Michaels, and Karen Walker.
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Ready, Set, Ride to Defeat ALS!
Cheering on the Riders
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“This is an unprecedented time in the
public awareness of ALS," said Fred Fisher, President and CEO of The ALS Association
Golden West Chapter, "It's gratifying to the ALS community to see so many
people stepping up in such a public way. It's something tangible that people
can do help. Those who have chosen
to support this Ride, from the sponsors and donors to everyone who is here
today, are committed to helping people with ALS and their families facing this
disease"
"Reaching our fundraising goals means we
can continue to support all of the good things that we are currently
doing," said Fisher. "But by exceeding them, we can start to do
more."
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“In the ten years that the Napa Valley Ride has taken place,
there has been more progress made on understanding ALS than in the history of
this horrific disease,” said Matt Chaney. “The donations received will support
The ALS Association to continue their quest to end ALS through their research, care
services and public policy efforts.”
Phil Thomas, co-Chair of the Napa Ride Committee and member
of Kay’s Angels is thankful for the
outpouring of support, “This year we set a new fundraising record for the Ride
while improving the experience for both the riders, walkers and their friends
and family in attendance. The Golden West Chapter is proud of this
accomplishment and has come to depend on the success of the Ride to support the
services we provide to our ALS community as well as our support to Research and
Advocacy. Thank you for the support you give to our mission. We need you to be
there for us next year so we can be there for people with ALS and their families.
YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Without your continued support we cannot sustain the
expansion of services we have embarked upon to improve the quality of life of
those with ALS."
On
behalf of The ALS Association, the Ride Committee and the families we serve,
thank you for your commitment and continued support.
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