Wed, September 21 2011
Media Contact
Cindi Creager, Director of Communications & Marketing
(212) 620-7310, ccreager@gaycenter.org
Cyclists Ride from Boston to NYC; Raise over $400,000 to Help End HIV/AIDS Braking the Cycle funds vital HIV/AIDS services of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center in New York City
On Friday, September 16, 2011, 133 riders began Braking the Cycle, a three-day cycling journey from Boston to New York City. With the support of 50 volunteer crew members, they rode 285 miles to the steps of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center, demonstrating their dedication to stopping HIV/AIDS.
This year had the largest number of riders in Braking the Cycle's nine-year history and raised a record $401,164.00, the highest net amount ever.
The money raised funds the HIV/AIDS services of the Center, which assist thousands of people living with HIV who have limited or no financial resources to cope with this disease. Money raised by the event also supports key youth and adult HIV prevention programs at the Center.
Cyclists participated because of these alarming statistics:
* More than one million people in the United States have HIV.
* Every year for the past decade there have been 50,000 new HIV infections in the U.S. and a quarter of the new cases are young gay men.
* This year alone, thousands of Americans will die from AIDS-related complications.
Google was the presenting sponsor for Braking the Cycle. This year’s ride included Centerpieces, a cycling team comprised of Center staff, interns and supporters. Riders also included a devoted group of cyclists called Positive Pedalers, who tackled the hills with signature orange flags on their bikes announcing themselves as HIV+.
The Closing Ceremony was held at 5 PM on Sunday, September 18, and was hosted by out lesbian country singer Chely Wright. Hundreds of loved ones, family and supporters gathered outside the Center on West 13th Street to welcome back the riders and crew members. The celebration continued inside the Center with a Victory Party sponsored by longtime Braking the Cycle supporter Brooklyn Brewery, and GO Burger. The GO Burger Truck takes the gourmet burger experience on the road and is proud to support Braking the Cycle.
Since it began in 2003, Braking the Cycle has raised nearly $3 million for the Center’s vital HIV and AIDS services. To learn more about the HIV/AIDS services of the Center, visit us online. The ride is produced by Global Impact Productions.
About the 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, 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
