MIAMI – On January 8, 2011, $475,500 was divided among six Florida HIV/AIDS organizations that participated in SMART Ride 7 last November. One hundred percent of funds raised by this 165-mile annual bike ride from Miami to Key West supports direct services to those infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS. Participating nonprofit organizations are: Center for Positive Connections in Miami, Metro Wellness and Community Centers serving Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco and Hernando Counties, Comprehensive AIDS Program of the Palm Beaches, AIDS Help, Inc.
of Monroe County, Miracle of Love serving the Orlando area, and Broward House.
Metro Wellness and Community Centers has been providing HIV/AIDS services, prevention programming, substance abuse and mental health therapy in Pinellas County since 1993, Hillsborough since 1999, and for Pasco – Hernando residents since 2009. There are a reported 9,859 HIV or AIDS cases within the four counties served by Metro Wellness and Community Centers. The agency has been a SMART Ride participant for the past three rides.
SMART Ride 8 will be held from November 17 to the 19th, 2011. Potential riders can check www.thesmartride.org for continuously updated details