OutClique Magazine March 2023

Page 66

SMART Ride Rolling to New Heights Long after the riders reached Key West and the sun set

Time For A Change

on SMART Ride 19, the money kept coming in. That

The SMART Ride is Weinzimer’s legacy. Now a new

little extra is making a big difference. When founder

person will carry that legacy forward. Todd Delmay

Glen Weinzimer took the stage at closing ceremonies

will be the new leader of the organization. Weinzimer

in November, the riders were about $15,000 short of

made the announcement at the check presentation

a million.

and gushed about Delmay afterwards. “He stood up and was part of the lawsuit for marriage equality. He

When he took the stage at the check presentation

understands nonprofit, starting My Hollywood Pride.

at Hunters Nightclub in January, the total was

He’s run for political office. He’s personable and wants

$1,043,270. “I feel grateful and emotional,” Weinzimer

to do something that gives back.”

told OutClique. “It boggles my mind that people still show up.”

Delmay will shadow Weinzimer as they co-produce SMART Ride 20. They believe that will make for

At closing ceremonies, he challenged the teams

a smooth transition as they work with volunteers,

to make one last push and they rallied to the call.

vendors, and the board. “Getting to know the agency

SMART Ride’s 19 year total is $15,954,344. “You put

executives and really understanding what happens

something out, and people respond. I don’t know how

with the money once SMART Ride has helped raise it

that happens. You can feel that love and energy.”

is such a responsibility,” Delmay told OutClique.

Six organizations from throughout Florida received

The duo is setting an ambitious goal for the 20th

90% of the money raised. They are Broward House,

ride. They are challenging the riders, crew, and the

AH Monroe, Compass, Pridelines, Epic, and Miracle of

community to raise two-million dollars. Delmay says

Love. The other 10% is held in an emergency fund to

it’s attainable because he’s seen their passion first

help a wide range of nonprofits get through unforeseen

hand. “It’s an abundance mentality, and SMART

crises during the year.

Ride really has that. It’s a culture. I was on the ride and I saw people who have a tattoo of the logo on

The annual ride is a two-day, 165 mile trek from

their body, that’s a commitment that is above and

Miami to Key West. Thanks to generous support from

beyond.”

sponsors and the community, The SMART Ride is the largest event of its kind that returns 100% of proceeds

Registration for this year’s ride, which is November

back to organizations engaged in the fight against

17-18, 2023, is already underway. To learn more or

HIV/AIDS.

register, please visit TheSmartRide.org.

TheSmartRide.org Author: John Hayden


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