Dick Gelfman Already Preparing For The 11th Annual 'Ride Across Md.'
ELLICOTT CITY, Md. (WJZ) -- The weather may have you thinking about Ocean City. Preparations are underway for one of the biggest fundraisers of the summer. It's Dick Gelfman's "Ride Across Maryland."
Ron Matz reports people all across the state are getting ready to ride in the fight against breast cancer.
The road to Ocean City will be crowded on June 4 as riders join the fight against breast cancer.
"We've formed a team that's made up of customers that come into the Glen Burnie Outback steakhouse. We're in our sixth year and we're very happy that we're growing every year. We're happy to take part in the fight against breast cancer," said Marty Day, Team Outback.
Dick Gelfman's 11th annual "Ride Across Maryland" starts in Columbia. Teamwork counts in making the event a success.
"It's our 11th year. We've raised $2 million so far. A few million more to go. We have a lot of folks registering for the ride--family registrations, team registrations, individual registrations, we're doing real well with that," said Gelfman. "What we need is a lot of corporate participation. CareFirst has been with us, Outback has been supporting us. We need a lot more corporate support to help pay the expenses, so people know when they register for the ride and raise money their money is going to really fight breast cancer and not to pay for a tent."
Team Outback is returning in memory of Lisa Brown.
"My sister-in-law passed away at the age of 47. She lost her battle with breast cancer in March of 2006. We started a tiny team and it's grown from there. It's a great organization to help," said Day.
This year's grand prize is something special.
"Register for the ride and we've got a great grand prize, a $5,000 grocery giveaway. You can go to any grocery store you want and spend $5,000 on groceries and you won't pay a penny for it. It's not limited to any store. They can go anywhere they want. You're not only fighting breast cancer, but you have a chance to win a fabulous prize," said Gelfman.
In 10 years, Dick Gelfman's "Ride Across Maryland" has raised more than $2 million.
"When we started I didn't think it would hit the amount of dollars we've collected, but I knew it would be successful. Bikers love motorcycles and they love raising money for a good cause, that's what bikers do every weekend," said Gelfman. "You don't have to ride a motorcycle. We get more and more cars every year. Get across the Bay Bridge and join us in Ocean City. It really is a family weekend."
For more information on Dick Gelfman's "Ride Across Maryland," click here.
WJZ is a proud sponsor of the ride as part of our Continuing Community Commitment.
