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Humanity Ride Blossoms Into Bigger Event

Photo from Karen Streaker

Harold Wagner & Jeff Oestrich participate in last year’s Ride for Humanity in Dade City.

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By MEGAN HUSSEY

Tribune correspondent

Published: March 21, 2009

DADE CITY - Last year's Ride for Humanity raised more than $12,000 for East Pasco Habitat for Humanity.

That money "went toward our building program, which enables us to work with low-income families to help them fulfill their dream of becoming homeowners," said Karen Streaker, director of development and public relations for East Pasco Habitat for Humanity.

This year, the Ride for Humanity, in which many participants collect tax-deductible pledges to ride their bicycles along the scenic routes of the Withlacoochee Trail or the East Pasco countryside, will be combined with another East Pasco Habitat fundraiser, the Orange Blossom Special BBQ and Festival. This April 4 event is called the Orange Blossom Special BBQ and Bike Festival.

"When the riders have finished their 10-, 30- or 62.5-mile ride, they will return here to eat BBQ, enjoy the festival crafts and other types of food and music from noon to 7 p.m.," Streaker said.

Participants do not have to raise pledges to ride or attend the festival, though they are welcome and encouraged to do so, Streaker said. They also can select ride packages, either individually or in teams - a Family Ride for $20, for example. Added incentives for those who donate include free T-shirts, breakfasts and lunches. People also can select a non-rider option, where they can donate/participate without riding.

This will be the second year Arlene and Marty Winick of New Port Richey participate in the Ride for Humanity.

"This is a well-organized, fun event with a wonderful lunch, great entertainment and lots of positive comments for everyone participating," Arlene Winick said.

Winick also said the ride is an invaluable fundraiser for the mission and projects of Habitat for Humanity.

"This event is intended to make people aware of Habitat, which is a great organization," she said. "It's a win-win situation."

After their rides, cyclists can return to the Dade City Business Center for a festival that includes crafts, food, music, a rock-climbing wall, a bungee jump, a Florida Ice Slide, face-painting clowns and bounce houses.

Live music will be performed by the Alabama Cowboy, the Sunshine Duo, Florida Cracker Cowboys, Withlacoochee Boys Gospel Singers and The Glory Bound Singers. A fiddling contest will be featured, and treats such as strawberry shortcake will be available for purchase.

Guests also will be able to buy pork sandwiches from the teams of the Orange Blossom Special BBQ competition.

"The sanctioned BBQ contest will have both professional and backyard teams vying for more than $11,000 in prize money plus bragging rights," Streaker said.

Streaker said this event is a fun way to give back to the community, and to support the Habitat mission of realizing the dream of homeownership for families in need.

"Donating to a charity and giving someone a 'hand-up' doesn't have to be painful for the pocketbook. It can be doing something fun and exciting while supporting the charity," she said. "This event is a way of giving to the work of Habitat but enjoying the benefits of a festival.

"Many things can be accomplished if we work together to make them happen," she said.

A BOOST FOR HUMANITY

COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTIONS: The Ride for Humanity, according to its Web site, "benefits the commitment of East Pasco Habitat for Humanity to provide affordable housing opportunities to deserving families in need."

A LITTLE HISTORY: Since its inception in 1994, East Pasco Habitat for Humanity has built 60 homes in east Pasco County. This marks the second year for the Ride for Humanity, co-coordinated by Phil Heffler, a Maryland-based Habitat for Humanity board member.

GET INVOLVED: For information on how to participate and contribute to the Orange Blossom Special BBQ and Bike Festival, visit www.ephabitat.org.

ORANGE BLOSSOM SPECIAL BBQ AND BIKE FESTIVAL

SOME BACKGROUND: The Orange Blossom Special BBQ and Bike Festival is scheduled to kick off at 7 a.m. April 4 at the Dade City Business Center, Citrus Country Drive, Dade City. The Bike Festival ride will be followed by the noon barbecue festival, which will feature food, 38 vendors and live entertainment.

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