Read the latest information about our Center Ride here:

MEDIA ADVISORY

April 3, 2012

Contact:

Cindi Creager, Director of Communications & Marketing

(646) 358-1703, ccreager@gaycenter.org 

Center Gears up for 18th Iconic AIDS Ride

Boston to NYC Center Ride Set for September 21-23, 2012

Kick-Off Rally April 16; New Ride Producer and Manager Named

New York, NY April 3 , 2012 — The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center, the world’s second largest LGBT Center, today further revealed plans for our 2012 AIDS ride, the annual event that has been raising critical funds for the Center’s HIV/AIDS related programs and services for 18 years, beginning in 1995. As shared in March with riders and crew, this year’s Boston to New York cycling journey is set for September 21-23. (Registration info here)

The Center is hosting a kick-off rally on Monday, April 16th from 6:30-8:30 PM, providing an opportunity for the community to meet our new producer, new and past riders and crew, and the HIV/AIDS clients we serve. The nationally syndicated Derek and Romaine Show will also broadcast live during the event on Sirius XM Radio. Last year the show raised over 40-thousand dollars for the ride.

“After a great deal of research, due diligence and thoughtful consideration, we are thrilled to announce the selection of LeadDog Marketing Group, Inc. as our 2012 Ride producer,” said Executive Director Glennda Testone. “An event production and marketing agency headquartered in New York, LeadDog has a passion for, and extensive experience in, logistical support and production for run, walk, and bike events across the country.”

In addition the Center is thrilled to welcome Michael Beck as its 2012 Center Ride Manager. Michael joins the Center following a successful affiliation with the Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Center as a cyclist, fundraiser and most recently, the recruitment coordinator for AIDS Life Cycle.

“Our clients are our number one priority,” Testone said. “Government funding for HIV/AIDS has fallen drastically, while the vast need for our programming continues to climb. Growing and improving our AIDS ride is a vital step to ensuring we have enough resources to sustain and enhance the programs and services we provide to the people who need us most. We’re extremely excited about Center Ride and eager to work with our new production partner, LeadDog Marketing Group, Inc.”

WHAT/WHO: Center Ride Kick-Off Rally! Meet our ride producers, LeadDog Marketing Group, Inc., our new ride manager Michael Beck, Center Staff, HIV/AIDS Clients, Past and Current Riders and Crew, and more! The Derek and Romaine Show will broadcast live throughout the event! 

WHEN: Monday, April 16, 2012, 6:30-8:30 PM

WHERE: The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center

208 West 13th Street, New York City

CONTACT:  Press should RSVP to: Cindi Creager, Director of Communications & Marketing
(646) 358-1703, ccreager@gaycenter.org 

About the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center
A beacon of hope for 29 years, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center builds and supports our community through arts and culture, wellness and recovery, HIV/AIDS services, family services and life-saving youth programs designed to foster healthy development in a safe, affirming environment. The Center envisions a world where LGBT people will no longer face discrimination or isolation because of who we are or who we love. We offer a welcoming home to 300,000 visitors each year and we are committed to serving all LGBT people through a variety of programs, services and activities that are designed to meet existing and emerging needs. The Center is many things to many people. We invite you to experience our home at 208 West 13th Street in person and online at gaycenter.org.

Hello Riders, Crew and Friends:

We are so excited about the upcoming Ride, and in fact, this annual event has been raising critical funds for the Center’s HIV/AIDS related programs and services for 18 years, all the way back to 1995! There are many things in the works, but I wanted to countdown the Top 5…

5. Registration

Our registration and fundraising pages are up and running for both individuals and teams. This Boston to New York cycling journey is set for September 21-23. If you aren’t already one of the fast-growing number of people to register, please do so here. 

4. Party Time

We are putting together a celebratory kick-off event at the Center on Monday, April 16th from 6:30 – 8:30 PM. It will be an opportunity to meet fellow riders and crew, sign up, introduce new friends, potential riders and donors to the Center, and bid for fantastic raffle items including a free massage, gift cards, and tickets to upcoming Center events. An official RSVP invitation will be out soon, but in the meantime please save the date!

3. Fundraising

The ride has already received many pledges, and our website is ready and waiting for you. A special shout out to an amazing (and new) rider named Anthony, who already brought in the most number of donors so far. Go Anthony! He’ll join our kick-off celebration on April 16th (and P.S., is the masseur behind the raffle item!) Come meet Anthony and schedule your appointment.

2. Producer

After a great deal of research, due diligence and thoughtful consideration, we are thrilled to announce the selection of LeadDog Marketing Group, Inc. as our 2012 Ride producer. An event production and marketing agency headquartered in New York, LeadDog has a passion for, and extensive experience in, logistical support and production for run, walk, and bike events across the country. LeadDog excels in creating and executing unique events that advance causes, delivering impeccable support and an inspiring experience to each participant. They maintain multi-year relationships with Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Multiple Sclerosis Society, American Cancer Society, and Wildlife Conservation Society, among others. Come meet some of the LeadDog team who will be working on our Ride at the April 16th kick-off event – they are excited to meet you!

1. You

Speaking of you, I can’t thank you enough for all you do to support our life-saving and life-enhancing HIV/AIDS programs. Your efforts truly change lives: “Dan” is an immigrant who came to the Center on the brink of suicide after his health began deteriorating as a result of his HIV positive status. Center counselors gave him the emotional and mental help to cope with the difficulties of being an undocumented immigrant and HIV positive. Through the community of resources and support the Center is able to provide, Dan not only found personal stability, he is thriving! On behalf of the Center staff, and all of the clients like Dan we serve each and every day, thank you!

As always, if you have any questions feel free to contact me or Jose at 212.620.7310, and I look forward to seeing all of you on the 16th!

Your fellow rider,

Glennda Testone