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Bicyclists raise $250,000
to benefit AIDS agencies

People from all over the world rode
on four islands and helped raise
AIDS awareness

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Star-Bulletin staff

Bike riders have raised $250,000 for HIV/AIDS agencies by riding on a nearly 400-mile journey across four islands.

Proceeds from the 3rd annual Paradise Ride will benefit five comprehensive HIV/AIDS service agencies, including the Life Foundation, Malama Pono-Kauai, AIDS Project, Maui AIDS Foundation, West Hawaii AIDS Foundation and the Big Island AIDS Project.

Bicyclists from across the country and abroad raised a minimum of $2,000 to participate in this fund- and awareness-raising event.

Sponsors included Aloha Airlines, Island Triathlon & Bike, Glaxo Wellcome, Starbucks Coffee, Ritz-Carlton Kapalua, AT&T Wireless, Jamba Juice, Huggo's Restaurant, GU/Sports Street Marketing and the Hawaii Tourism Authority.

Riders crossed Oahu, Kauai, Maui and the Big Island from July 22 to July 29, consuming 300 pounds of chicken and 1,700 gallons of water and applying more than 37 pounds of sunscreen.

Along the way, they stopped to talk to residents to raise awareness that AIDS remains a major public health threat in Hawaii. Closing ceremonies were held in Hilo.

The beneficiary agencies serve about 1,000 individuals, and the number is increasing.

The event, which has grown every year since its inception in 1998, has raised nearly $500,000.