Bill Sapsis of Sapsis Rigging helped choose the prize winners from among those who supported the Long Reach Long Riders at the 2005 Stage Expo.  The Long Riders will continue raising money for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS throughout the spring.
Photo/Tom Thatcher

They're headed for the road again!

Bill "Uncle Bill" Sapsis and the Long Reach Long Riders announce their second annual charity motorcycle ride this year will benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (BC/EFA). The ride will be held June 26 to July 2, 2005.

Although the ride began as a one-time fundraiser among like-minded technical theatre artists, the Long Riders made an impact beyond their wildest expectations. Mr. Sapsis' initial statement, "Time and again, those who perform in the spotlight have answered the call to raise money for worthy causes. Now it's our turn," proved to be right on target. More than 200 individual and corporate sponsors jumped in to make that first fundraiser a great success.

So, they're doing it again.

This year's ride, "Out of the Wings and Into the Wind," has all the excitement of an energetic group of artists and artisans who love to see this great country from the saddle of a motorcycle can provide.

Two major changes will distinguish this year's run from last year. The Long Reach Long Riders are reaching out beyond their core group and looking for riders (and fundraisers!) from within and outside the entertainment community. This year's ride also will be two-pronged, making it easier for people on either side of the country to join in the fun. One group will leave from Washington, D.C., and, on the same day, the other will leave from San Diego, California. The two groups will meet in Hays, Kansas, and then head north for a few days in and around Rapid City, South Dakota, where they'll pack in as much riding and sightseeing as they can before splitting off and heading home.

Riders conducted raffles and took donations as part of the Sapsis Rigging booth at Stage Expo in Toronto, drawing a huge crowd when prizes were distributed.

BC/EFA is the nation's leading industry-based, not-for-profit AIDS fundraising and grant making organization. BC/EFA is the on-going, committed response from the American Theatre community to an urgent worldwide health crisis. Since its founding in 1988, BC/EFA has raised over $50 million for critically needed services for people with AIDS, HIV or HIV-related illnesses.

All donations to this ride are tax deductible. For donor and rider registration information, go to www.sapsis-rigging.com/LRLR.html. Or, for more information please contact Mr. Sapsis at bill@sapsis-rigging.com or Greg Williams at gwilliams@appstate.edu.

To Top