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The 15th Anniversary of The SMART Ride Raising funds for AIDS/HIV services in Florida Words by Markin Abras • Images by Paul McDermott THE SMART RIDE (The Southern Most AIDS/HIV Ride 2018) will host it's 15th anniversary ride this November 16th and 17th. The two-day, 165-mile bicycle ride, from Miami to Key West, begins at the University of Miami at sunrise on Friday and concludes at the AIDS Memorial/White Street Pier in Key West on Saturday. The goal for this year's ride is to raise $1,500,000 for those affected and effected by AIDS/HIV. From humble beginnings in 2003, The SMART Ride has become a major force in the state of Florida by providing support to front-line organizations and communities who are providing services to people living with HIV/AIDS and educating on how to prevent the spread of HIV. In the first 14 years, over $9,300,000 has been distributed directly to client care. Seven agencies throughout Florida will benefit from this year's fundraising efforts, including, Broward House and Children's Diagnostic and Treatment Center, Broward County; Pridelines, Dade County; Aids Help, Monroe County; Compass, Palm Beach Country; Miracle of Love, Inc, Orlando; and Metro Wellness and Community Centers, Tampa/St. Petersburg. "This year marks SMART Ride's 15th anniversary. From day one, our call to action has been a quote from Margaret Mead, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world, indeed; it's the only thing that ever has," says SMART Ride Founder Glen Weinzimer. "The theme this year is: "The battle has changed…" in the fight against HIV and AIDS, but the disease is not gone and new challenges face us all." He goes on to say, "We hear constantly from our agencies how the dollars raised are making a difference, but also how some of these services would go away without the support of the SMART Ride, and because of that we continue to work harder." ML For registration and additional information, visit www.thesmartride.org.