There’s no doubt the sun shines on CARE of Southeastern Michigan’s Ride 4 Recovery; there’s not been a day of rain since the event started 5 years ago.
With an average of 230 riders each year, the non-profit considers the Annual Ride For Recovery is one of their biggest and most successful fundraisers.
“Ride 4 Recovery honors the 62,000 people that have lost their lives to addiction and the 24 million people that are in recovery. We are hear to raise awareness and shatter the stigma attached to addiction”, states Executive Director, Monique Stanton. “We continue to grow with great sponsors, supporters and this year there seems to be a whole lot more awareness about addiction, recovery and our services.”
Keynote speaker, Randy Grimes, former NFL lineman for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, spoke about his 8 year personal recovery. Stanton and Mari Jackson, Director of Development rounded out the starting ceremony. Their words were full of gratitude and encouraging energy, safety, and inspired the riders and supporters towards stopping addiction.
Riders had the choice of four different routes. The
Recovery Metric Century, a 62 mile course, the 40 mile ride, which included a tour of the outside grounds of the Edsel & Eleanor Ford Estate, the 25 mile ride will travel along Jefferson Avenue which also included the tour, and the 10 Mile, which travels along Macomb County’s Freedom Trail. After their rides, the attendees were treated to lunch, informational booths, a raffle full of eclectic prizes, and live band entertainment.
It’s truly family oriented, and the band was happy to be entertainment for such a great cause. Kim Pantalone, singer and harmonica player for the Lost City Band tells me it’s their first year here at the event. Saxophone player, Tom Pletzke received the call from Development Officer Mari Jackson, whom he’s known since her days at Walsh College. Pat McHale, drummer for the band has a personal interest in being here; his daughter is a success story, being in recovery for over a year.
Their were veteran faces to greet the supporters as well. Mark Kilgore, the program coordinator for Greater Macomb Project Vox and person in long term recovery, is passionate about making each event enjoyable and informative.
“Greater Macomb Project Vox advocates, educates and celebrates recovery” Kilgore states. “We work with local, state and federal politicians to advocate for rights for people with a substance use disorders and to end discriminatory practices. Vox members educate the community that recovery works and that there are over 23 million people in recovery today. Greater Macomb Project Vox hosts sober friendly events every month to help people get out and have fun in recovery.”
This was CARE’s 40th year and their goals to expand are sure to be met. To learn more about their programs and outreach in Macomb County and beyond, visit https://www.careofsem.com
Click here to be introduced to CARE of Southeastern Michigan
#40years40impacts, #Ride4recovery