Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Nonprofit Fundraising topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Susanna Smiles and Pharr EMS mark biggest year yet for Spina Bifida ride
Summary
Pharr EMS and the nonprofit Susanna Smiles described supporting a 250-mile charity ride that attracted roughly 115 cyclists and raised about $200,000; organizers said they donated $55,000 to Spina Bifida Texas and awarded eight sports chairs and a $5,000 scholarship.
Pharr EMS Chief Danny Ramirez and representatives of Susanna Smiles described the department’s continued role providing medical support for a 250‑mile Spina Bifida fundraising ride from Edinburg to San Antonio.
“Back in June, we had the city of our EMS had the the privilege, for the 5th year in a row of sponsoring medical support for the s p 2 50, which is, a bike ride to raise money for spina bifida,” Ramirez said, describing his own participation and the medics who staffed the event.
Susanna Smiles representatives said the event had the organization’s largest turnout to date. “We had about 115 cyclists and raised the most money ever,” one organizer said. Jackie Swanson told commissioners, “This year we were able to raise $200,000 for, this cause.”
Swanson said the group donated $55,000 to Spina Bifida Texas, awarded eight sports wheelchairs for adaptive sports and gave a $5,000 college scholarship. The nonprofit also plans to add two new grant categories for home improvements and business development to better support families of people with disabilities.
Pharr officials presented a commemorative plaque and invited staff and organizers to take a photo. No formal actions or funding requests were made during the presentation.
