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The final SMART Ride ended with a bang, raising $1.4 million for area charities. Looking forward, riders are taking matters into thieir own hands to make sure the tradition can continue -- some way or another.
- Christiana Lilly, Editor
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SMART Ride Doles Out $1.4M From Final Ride
By John Hayden
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The numbers speak for themselves: 20 rides, thousands of volunteers, over $16 million raised, countless lives helped.
Hunters Nightclub was packed Jan. 14 as riders, leaders of benefitting agencies, and community supporters gathered for one final check presentation. In September, organizers announced this year’s ride would be the last.
Founder Glen Weinzimer stood in front of a grateful crowd and announced the final ride raised nearly $1.4 million.
The six main benefitting agencies, which all help people living with HIV/AIDS, each collected record sums, ranging from $204,000 to $285,000.
Other agencies, including The Pet Project, were given smaller disbursements that would usually be held back as an “emergency fund” given out during the year.
“I feel really grateful,” an emotional Weinzimer said after the check presentations. “This community comes together. I’m the guy on the soapbox, but they’re the guys who showed up and raised the money. I just love them.”
At the end, the grandest of grand totals was announced. Over the life of the event, the SMART Ride raised $16,377,287.68. Every penny, down to that 68th cent, was returned to the community.
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Loved Ones Mourn Jason Marous, Ask for Answers
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A year later, no arrests have been made and a $50,000 reward has been put up by Broward Crime Stoppers and the family for anyone who comes forward with a lead that leads to the arrest of the shooter.
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SMART Ride Gone, New Ride Launches
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When SMART Ride founder Glen Weinzimer announced the annual HIV/AIDS benefit would end with the November 2023, ride veterans and benefitting agencies weren’t ready to lower the kickstand. Within weeks, they started to take matters into their own hands.
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Rumors Surround Hamburger Mary’s Future
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RE/Max says it's under contract, but the buyer isn’t listed. Many people at the restaurant now tell OutSFL that it has been bought, and the sale should close this month.
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TODAY: Tom Goss The Sunshine Cathedral Center for the Performing Arts hosts singer-songwriter Tom Goss.
SAT: Wilton Onesie Wonderland In its fourth year, Lit hosts a onesie party to benefit Lantera, a mental health awareness nonprofit.
SUN: Farmers and Artisan Market
Eat, drink and shop local at the MASS District in Fort Lauderdale with Sunnyside Up Market. Plus, mimosas and coffee, pet adoptions, and goods from Farmer Jenn. |
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Dental Assistant -- Wilton Manors
Wilton Manors Dental is seeking an experienced, highly motivated dental assistant to join a organized, leading and innovative dental practice that prides itself on the highest standard of customer service and patient care.
Supervisor -- Wilton Manors Starbucks is hiring a supervisor who will be the go-to person during the shift; the first in line to resolve issues and quick to lend a helping hand where needed. When the manager is not present, they'll be responsible for overseeing team members and ensuring customer satisfaction. |
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Mr. Bubbles wants to make memories with you. This exuberant, fun-loving fellow LOVES tennis balls and toys that squeak! He can often be seen carrying multiply toys around in his mouth. Mr. Bubbles came from another shelter, so his past is a mystery. If you’re about to throw a ball, he will sit if you ask him to. This 2-year-old would benefit from having a backyard to run around in.
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Like the figure in the 10 of Wands, you feel clearly crushed by burdens you’ve carried for a while, holding on to them out of self-sacrifice, possessiveness, or fear of leaving your comfort zone. The Hanged Man invites you to turn it all upside down and lay those burdens down by delegating, restructuring, and learning to say “No.” Either way, there is heartbreak and anguish ahead, signaled by the 3 of Swords. The question is, will you be the one bearing that ultimate anguish, or will you finally let others carry their own weight and face the realities of their own 3 of Swords?
Key numbers: 1, 3, 7, 10, 12, 25
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Our mailing address is: The Islander | 2520 N. Dixie Highway | Wilton Manors, FL 33305
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