Sammy Rides holiday bazaar set for Nov. 12

As local bicyclists train for their 2,400-mile trek from Sun City, Ariz., to this community from March through May, volunteers are gearing up for the first Sammy Rides Holiday bazaar and art show.

Dee Giordano, treasurer of the Sammy Rides program, said the fundraiser will take place from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 12 at Club Renaissance, 2121 Pebble Beach Blvd. S. She said more than 45 statewide exhibitors and artists will participate. Giordano became involved in Sammy Rides because she is neighbors with founders Mike and Lois Libenson, whose granddaughter, Sammy, died of cancer at age 9.

"They wanted to do something to help other children," Giordano said. "So, they originally started thinking they would do a ride with four people to bring awareness about pediatric cancer. From there it grew."

She said Sammy Rides had to either become registered as a 501(c)3 organization or partner with another not-for-profit with similar goals. Sammy Rides officials decided to approach Team Will, a California-based organization that raises money for children with cancer through events, including the Go the Distance 2010 bike ride across America.

"We are a project of Team Will," Giordano said. "(It has)younger cyclists who raise funds for pediatric cancer. They seemed like a perfect fit for us."

She said Sammy Rides has raised more than $70,000.

Emmie Kauffman of Sun City Center, chairwomen for the free art show, said the highlights of the bazaar event will include a water color demonstration by artist Tom Haverfield; entertainment by pianists, vendors of handmade jewelry and stained glass, hand-blown items, pottery, hand-sewn baby items and a chocolate maker.

Libenson, who will be one of the five bicyclists participating in the ride, said he is training "modestly" by putting in a few 50-mile bike rides a week, but he plans to bump it up to four 50-mile bike rides a week, as the event draws near.

"We are pretty determined to ride the whole way," he said. Meanwhile, his wifeis training to become an EMT, so she can help during the strenuous ride.

Libenson pointed out one of the unintended perks of the Sammy Rides bicycle ride, which culminates with a return during the Sun City Center Community Association's 50th anniversary parade on May 1, is the publicity for the community.

For information on the bazaar and art show, call (813) 634-0988.

lcone@mediageneral.com(813) 731-2008