BAY AREA BIKERS GEARED-UP AGAIN

TO RAISE MONEY FOR VITAL HIV SERVICES

 

San Francisco, CA ­­­---

 

For the third time in as many years, bay area motorcyclists will ride together to raise awareness and money for much needed HIV and AIDS services.  Over 100 motorcyclists are expected to ride under the Shanti flag from San Francisco to Napa Valley for the Third Annual Ride for Life on Sunday, October 24.

Shanti, celebrating twenty-five years of providing support services for people with terminal illnesses, is a non-profit agency dedicated to enhancing the quality of life primarily for people living with HIV disease and AIDS.  A small group of volunteers and staff have been organizing motorcycle rides since October 1997 and has raised over $25,000 for Shanti client services programs.  “The Ride for Life has been an amazing event for Shanti and the community,” says Development Manager, Ron Perri.  “In just three years, we’ve brought together a special group of people of all backgrounds and beliefs to support each other and Shanti services. They all have two things in common – their love for motorcycle riding and their desire to show continued support for people living with HIV disease and AIDS.”

This year’s motorcycle ride has also gained the attention and support from an array of businesses, media and community groups.  The Ride for Life is presented by American Airlines, KFOG 104.5 San Francisco/97.7 San Jose, Pacific Bell Internet Services, PlanetOut, Q San Francisco Magazine and the San Francisco Spectrum.  Additional sponsors include CityBike, the Dolan Law Firm, Falcon Studios, the Imperial Court of San Francisco, the SF Bay Guardian, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Inc., Spotlight Promotions and endorsement from the California Eagles Motorcycle Club.  Sponsors have helped to underwrite costs with cash sponsorships, services and advertising space donations. 

 KFOG deejay and motorcycle enthusiast, Dave Morey, will also take part in this year’s Ride for Life and has been promoting the event on his morning show.

 Participants in the Third Annual Ride for Life will meet at the Kilowatt Club (3160  16^th Street) in San Francisco starting at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, October 24.  From there, the bikers will ride in one pack through the city of San Francisco and over the Golden Gate Bridge to Crane Park in St. Helena for a buffet lunch in the heart of Napa Valley.

 Participants pay a nominal $25.00 for participation in the ride, lunch and a commemorative Ride for Life pin.  The bulk of the money for the innovative event is raised by pledges bikers receive from family, friends, businesses and co-workers.  Prize levels are determined by the amount of money raised.  The top fundraiser will be awarded two coach-class airfares on American Airlines.

 There will also be a pre-registration party and celebration at Daddy’s bar in the Castro on Sunday, October 10 from 4 to 7pm.  The party is open to the public with guest host Mr. San Francisco Leather 1999 Werner Tillinger and is sponsored by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Inc..

 To receive an information and registration packet, interested motorcyclists may call Ron Perri at Shanti at 415-674-4720.  Via email, send your name, address and phone number to or visit their website at www.shanti-rides.org.

Shanti is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization (Tax ID 94-2297147) dedicated to enhancing the quality of life, improving the well-being, and promoting the independence primarily of people living with HIV disease and AIDS.