The 2009 One Day, One Ride, One Cause charity bike ride is set for Sunday, August 16. Starting and ending in Adams Morgan, the course crosses the 8 Wards of the District of Columbia and raises awareness and funds to combat HIV / AIDS in the community. Building Futures is one of the two nonprofit beneficiary organizations for the ride. The other beneficiary is The Women’s Collective, whose mission is to meet the self-defined needs of women, girls and their families living with or at-risk for HIV/AIDS, reducing barriers to care and strengthening their network of support and services.

Washington, DC leads the nation in HIV/AIDS rates, which rival those in sub-Saharan Africa. At the same time, large groups of people at high risk of becoming infected or infecting others, believe they are not at risk.

One Day, One Ride, One Cause’s mission is to:

(1) Bring awareness to the community that the District holds the record for newly-diagnosed HIV/AIDS cases in the United States;

(2) Educate the community in preventing the spread of the disease; and

(3) Raise funds for eight (8) HIV/AIDS-related organizations that provide care and services to District of Columbia children, teens, adults and families infected with and/or impacted by HIV/AIDS.

With a minimum of only $100 to raise / donate and a $35 registration fee, riders can make a difference in the lives of children, men and women affected by AIDS in the District and the surrounding community. Ride sponsors challenge individuals to make a difference in their own lives by participating as a rider, crew (volunteer), or contributor in this year’s ride.

For details or to register, go to the One Day, One Ride, One Cause website.