In this 2013 Dallas Voice file photo, Lone Star Ride distributed $85,000 in proceeds from the 100-mile, one-day bike ride. From left, AIDS Outreach Executive Director Shannon Hilgart, Jackie Jones, AIDS Services of Dallas President and CEO Don Maison, Michael Matthews and Resource Center CEO Cece Cox.
After 13 years of fundraising, the board of directors of Lone Star Ride Fighting AIDS announced its 2013 ride was its last, according to a press release the organization released Sunday.
“We’ve seen a decline in sponsors, volunteers and riders, and we felt we had a responsibility to the people donating money to be responsible for that money,” said board president Jacque Borel.
Lone Star Ride raised $28,000 for each of the organization’s three beneficiaries in 2013, but that number fell short of the organization’s goal.
“Based on the return for 2013 and the two prior years, the Board has determined that the effort and expense required to stage a 2014 ride and subsequent events are not justified,” the press release stated.
The money was distributed to AIDS Outreach Center, AIDS Services of Dallas and Resource Center. Since 2001, LSRFA has donated more than $2 million to those agencies, according to its website.
Although Lone Star Ride is disbanding, it acknowledges the fight against HIV/AIDS and the need to serve those affected isn’t over.
“With that in mind, the LSRFA Board of Directors thanks the riders, crew and donors who have shared the road with us the last 13 years, and encourages them to continue the fight by directly supporting AIDS Outreach Center, AIDS Services of Dallas, and Resource Center Dallas,” the organization wrote in the press release.
Borel said the decision to disband Lone Star Ride is “heartbreaking, but we are trying to be good stewards with the money.”
“We’ll have to look for another way to raise money for the beneficiaries,” he said.
