SMART Ride Rolling to New Heights Long after the riders reached Key West and the sun set
Time For A Change
on SMART Ride 19, the money kept coming in. That
The SMART Ride is Weinzimer’s legacy. Now a new
little extra is making a big difference. When founder
person will carry that legacy forward. Todd Delmay
Glen Weinzimer took the stage at closing ceremonies
will be the new leader of the organization. Weinzimer
in November, the riders were about $15,000 short of
made the announcement at the check presentation
a million.
and gushed about Delmay afterwards. “He stood up and was part of the lawsuit for marriage equality. He
When he took the stage at the check presentation
understands nonprofit, starting My Hollywood Pride.
at Hunters Nightclub in January, the total was
He’s run for political office. He’s personable and wants
$1,043,270. “I feel grateful and emotional,” Weinzimer
to do something that gives back.”
told OutClique. “It boggles my mind that people still show up.”
Delmay will shadow Weinzimer as they co-produce SMART Ride 20. They believe that will make for
At closing ceremonies, he challenged the teams
a smooth transition as they work with volunteers,
to make one last push and they rallied to the call.
vendors, and the board. “Getting to know the agency
SMART Ride’s 19 year total is $15,954,344. “You put
executives and really understanding what happens
something out, and people respond. I don’t know how
with the money once SMART Ride has helped raise it
that happens. You can feel that love and energy.”
is such a responsibility,” Delmay told OutClique.
Six organizations from throughout Florida received
The duo is setting an ambitious goal for the 20th
90% of the money raised. They are Broward House,
ride. They are challenging the riders, crew, and the
AH Monroe, Compass, Pridelines, Epic, and Miracle of
community to raise two-million dollars. Delmay says
Love. The other 10% is held in an emergency fund to
it’s attainable because he’s seen their passion first
help a wide range of nonprofits get through unforeseen
hand. “It’s an abundance mentality, and SMART
crises during the year.
Ride really has that. It’s a culture. I was on the ride and I saw people who have a tattoo of the logo on
The annual ride is a two-day, 165 mile trek from
their body, that’s a commitment that is above and
Miami to Key West. Thanks to generous support from
beyond.”
sponsors and the community, The SMART Ride is the largest event of its kind that returns 100% of proceeds
Registration for this year’s ride, which is November
back to organizations engaged in the fight against
17-18, 2023, is already underway. To learn more or
HIV/AIDS.
register, please visit TheSmartRide.org.
TheSmartRide.org Author: John Hayden
