THE
GAZETTE VOLUME 8 • ISSUE 24 DECEMBER 2, 2021
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WILTON MANORS
Wilton Manors Commissioner Pedals for Dollars for SMART Ride By John McDonald If there is such a thing as a role model volunteers and participants than years past. Caputo, Weinzimer said, is a joy to work for resilience, one needs to look no further than Wilton Manors Commissioner Chris with. “I’ve known Chris for over 15 years Caputo. Caputo peddled down to Key West last and I’ve watched him grow and seen him weekend as a participant in the annual mature,” Weinzimer said. “He’s always been a caring and giving person SMART Ride. This year and a cheerleader for marked the 18th edition of everybody.” the cycling event that raises First diagnosed with money for HIV/AIDS service HIV in 2012, Caputo said organizations in Florida. he cried it out but then For Caputo, the ride is got to work. He put his personal. tech skills to good use to “Today marks the provide local agencies and completion of my 10th SMART businesses with software, Ride and 1,650 miles later, I am web design and marketing. still living with HIV,” Caputo His energy, Weinzimer told SFGN on Saturday. “We said, is infectious. haven’t been able to fully “People are drawn to prevent new infections, let him,” Weinzimer said. alone cure the disease. People “He’s like a little jackrabbit. in our most marginalized There are leaders and communities continue to - CHRIS CAPUTO there are followers and die due to a lack of access Wilton Manors Chris is most certainly a to care and education. It’s City Commissioner leader.” heartbreaking. There is more At 40 Caputo is the work to be done. We can’t stop before the finish line, so each year we ride youngest member of the Wilton Manors Commission. He is frequently seen running and every year I am glad I did.” Over $1.2 million was raised this year, or cycling around town and has pushed for organizers announced. Glen Weinzimer, more pedestrian-friendly development. “All the things he does I don’t know how SMART Ride Founder, said more than 10,000 people donated this year and the he finds the time,” Weinzimer said. “He’s event met its fundraising goal with fewer amazing at multitasking.”
“We can’t stop before the finish line, so each year we ride and every year I am glad I did.”
Chris Caputo (back row, fourth from the left) poses with other riders from Wilton Manors. Photo via Chris Caputo, Facebook.
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