Wed, September 19 2012
Media ContactCONTACT:
Mary Steyer
Communications Manager, the Center
(646) 358-1714, msteyer@gaycenter.org
Cycle for the Cause Bike Ride from Boston to NYC to Benefit the Center's HIV/AIDS Related Programs
More than 100 riders will cycle from Boston to NYC from September 21-23, 2012 to raise vital funds for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center's HIV/AIDS related programs and services. The funds raised by Cycle for the Cause allow the Center to focus on three crucial areas – prevention, support and testing.
"I couldn't be more proud to be part of a ride that, over the past 17 years, has raised millions of dollars with the help of thousands of riders, crew and donors," said Jose Lugaro, the Center's Director of Development. "In an economic climate where public funds and grants are shrinking at alarming rates, the money raised from Cycle for the Cause is instrumental in allowing the Center to provide vital HIV and AIDS related programs and services."
The funds raised from Cycle for the Cause will allow the Center to continue providing a variety of HIV prevention services and programming, including distributing safe-sex kits to youth and sending youth to Summer Camp, a safe space to learn about HIV prevention. Additionally, the ride allows the Center to provide more than 1,800 counseling and group sessions to LGBT people living with and affected by HIV and AIDS. Beginning Summer 2012, the Center will become an HIV testing site for the community, providing quick oral testing and follow-up confirmatory blood tests.
Cycle for the Cause is supported by Google. In kind sponsors include Al's Cycle Solutions, Amtrak, Lay's, Gatorade, GM, Honey Stinger, Miller 64, One Lucky Duck, Poland Spring, popchips, Pure Fix Cycles, Stonyfield, ZICO, Here Media, Advocate.com and Metrosource.
On Sunday, September 23, the ride will end on the steps of the Center, located at 208 West 13th Street in the West Village neighborhood of Manhattan. Family members and loved ones will celebrate the riders' and crew members' three-day journey with a Homecoming Ceremony and Victory Party.
Interview/Photo Opportunities: For interview opportunities please contact the Center.
High-resolution photos will be available post-event
| WHAT: | Cycle for the Cause: The Northeast AIDS Ride – 18 Years Strong |
| WHO: | Benefiting the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center's HIV/AIDS related programs and services |
| WHEN: | August 16, 2012 Doors open 6:30PM |
| WHERE: | The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center, 208 West 13th Street, New York, NY 10011 |
| HOW: | Registration is available at cycleforthecause.org |
| CONTACT: | Mary Steyer (For Press Credentialing) 646.358.1714, msteyer@gaycenter.org |
About The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center
Established in 1983, The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center is at the heart of the LGBT community in New York City, providing quality health and wellness programs in a welcoming space that fosters connections and celebrates our cultural contributions. We strive to serve the LGBT community with a full-service, multi-faceted approach to programming, from hosting arts and entertainment events, advocacy groups and family gatherings to offering youth, recovery and overall wellness programs. Each year, the Center welcomes more than 300,000 visits to our building in the West Village neighborhood of Manhattan from people who engage in our life-changing and life-saving activities. We are proud to be your community Center. To learn more about our work, please visit www.gaycenter.org.
About Cycle for the Cause
Cycle for the Cause, the 18th Annual Northeast AIDS Ride, is a fully supported, three day, approximately 275-mile bike ride that will take place September 21-23, 2012. Over the past 17 years, thousands of riders and crew have made their way from Boston to New York City in an effort to raise millions of dollars for the HIV/AIDS related programs and services of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center in New York City. For more information, please contact Michael Beck, Ride Manager, at mbeck@gaycenter.org or 646.358.1733.
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
