The AV200 is 20 years old!
Dear Ones,
Happy Spring! And, if it's Spring, then it's cycling and time for me to ask you again to support me. This year there are 2 milestones in my world: one is the 20th year of the AV200-AIDS Vaccine 200-and my 15th year of riding. The other is my 70th birthday in July.
When I started cycling and asking for money, I was only 53. I had no idea then how much I would enjoy bicycling or how much I would grow to love the AV200 community. I have served on the Steering Committee, the Action Cycling Board and was one of the two Ride Directors in 2021-2022 (we had no Ride in 2020). I have made many meaningful friendships, stayed fit and have raised a s---load of money thanks to you, my donors. I have been one of the top 10 fundraisers numerous times thanks to you. Fundraising is something else I didn't know I could do in 2007 when I started asking my friends and family for money.
And, thanks to you, the Emory Vaccine Center has unencumbered funds to continue its research for an AIDS vaccine. The Jerusalem House, my team, has also been a beneficiary of half the money you have donated to continue funding housing for people living with HIV and AIDS; many are single moms and their children; JH currently has 100 children in their family program..
There are those who believe that an HIV vaccine is no longer important, but the number of people living with HIV in the US and the World has increased. The population that Jerusalem House serves has also increased, so this cause is still crucial. (Please see some facts below.)
I am grateful that I am well and still able to ride 200 miles on a May weekend. I can tell you that training for this is much, much more challenging than 15 years ago! But, I am committed to being ready to ride! Your donations and support help me climb every hill (along with my new ‘lighter’ wheels). As always, 100% of your donations are given to the beneficiaries (sponsors manage all costs for the Ride.)
I am ever so grateful for my amazing community. Thank you so much for your support and generosity.
With gratitude,
Debra
