Annual Spin-A-Thon Raises Over $140, 000

On April 25th, hundreds of South Florida’s maritime professionals, community supporters, and spinning aficionados descended on Esplanade Park in Fort Lauderdale during the 6th Annual Spin-A-Thon, presented by the Cruise Industry Charitable Foundation. The event raised over $140,000 for the MICF Community Action Programs that support Kids in Distress of Broward and Palm Beach counties (KID), the Children’s Diagnostic & Treatment Center (CDTC) and other local initiatives. 

“Community involvement is part of the fabric of the maritime industry,” said David Reed, chairman of the Marine Industry Cares Foundation. “Years ago we saw a gap in our community where children’s needs weren’t fully being met and we wanted to jump in and help, so we created a way to rally our constituents and raise funds. That’s how the Spin-A-Thon was born and that essentially is fulfilling the mission of MICF, to help unite the maritime and local communities and help children and families in need. ” 
 
Produced by the Marine Industry Cares Foundation, the stationary spinning bike challenge invites groups to raise money by forming teams and taking turns riding a bike over a 6-hour time frame. More than 400 participants registered to take their position in the saddle, all for a great cause. Since its inception, the Spin-A-Thon has successfully raised more than$600,000 to support underserved and sick children in South Florida.

“The combination of generosity and the dedication from supporters like the Marine Industry Cares Foundation has empowered KID to positively impact more than 100,000 lives during our thirty-five year history,” stated Mark Dhooge, CEO at KID. “We are grateful to all the MICF members, spinners, and sponsors of the Spin-A-Thon for believing in our mission and helping us continue to grow alongside our community.” 

Participants enjoyed an energetic atmosphere where spin instructors called out actions and a DJ played upbeat music while volunteers from KID and CDTC offered up refreshing treats like water, orange slices and Gatorade to the dedicated riders. City of Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jack Seiler joined the fun again this year by hopping on the Winterfest Boat Parade Team bike for the kick-off. 

Dr. Ana Calderon Randazzo, Executive Director of CDTC said, “The funding and support we receive from MICF really helps us deliver critical diagnosis and treatment to the more than 11,000 children annually in Broward County.” She added, “Aside from being a fun event, it’s one of our most rewarding partner events because of the enthusiasm of the people involved, high energy levels and camaraderie we see and feel both internally and with the wider community.”

When not on a bike, participants cheered on their teammates, danced and enjoyed the music and entertainment sponsored by the Seminole Hard Rock, or bid on fun raffle/auction items like hotel stays, sail boating day-trips and valuable framed marine photographs and artwork. After the boat horn sounded to mark the end of 6-hours of spinning, the post-ride celebration hosted by MICF ended the evening with fun, more music, food and drinks provided by local restaurants and bars such as Slacker Bar & Grill, Eten Foods, the Las Olas Bar Owners Association, Gosling Rum and Waxy O’Connors. 

Among those recognized for their sponsorship contributions in addition to the Cruise Industry Charitable Foundation were Broward Health & Wellness Center, Fairport Yacht Support, Ft. Lauderdale Mariner’s Club, GeoBlue, Hamilton, Miller & Birthisel, Hyatt Place Fort Lauderdale, International Medical Group, Macy’s, Merrill I Rosen, CPA, PC; MPT Maritime Professional Training, Ward’s Marine Electric, and Wartsila. The Spin-A-Thon is a Winterfest Sanctioned Event and is produced as a Partner Event of the Riverwalk Trust.