Ride 4 Hope draws 88 bicyclists, raises $12,000 for health-care services

Ride 4 Hope, an annual bicycling event that supports Hope HealthCare Services, raised $12,000 during the Feb. 15 ride.

Eighty-eight riders participated in 50-, 25- or 10-mile rides that began at Joanne’s House at Hope Hospice in Bonita Springs. The event was established by founder Bill Curtis, a longtime Hope volunteer, to honor the memory of loved ones and support those with complex needs related to life-changing illness. Mr. Curtis, who rides his age in miles each year, originally asked friends and family to support Hope by riding with him or donating to his favorite charity, and the idea of Ride 4 Hope was born.

“It’s been an honor to help support the mission of Hope and raise awareness about the comfort and care provided by Hope Hospice to those journeying through the final end stages of life,” Mr. Curtis said. “It was a tremendous feeling standing back and watching all those who took part in the ride and knowing that each person in some way is helping to better another person’s life.”

Event sponsors included Trek Bicycle of Estero and Naples, Walgreens, T3, Naples Beach Brewery, 21st Century C.A.R.E., Landex, CLA Landscaping Inc., Trinity Chiropractic, Olive Garden at Coconut Point and Costco at Gulf Coast Town Center. Hope Health- Care Services is a not-for-profit, 501(c) (3) community-based agency nationally recognized as a leader in providing high-quality, innovative care. For more information, call (855) 454-3100 or visit www.HopeHCS.org.