Cycling for Kids’ Lungs: Tampa Community Raises Nearly $70K at Gulf Coast Bike Trek

This morning, more than 125 Tampa area cyclists made every mile count by raising nearly $70,000, and counting, in critical funds for lung health, with a focus on pediatric lung health. The second-annual Gulf Coast Bike Trek supports the American Lung Association’s lifesaving research, advocacy and programming in Florida and beyond. 

“We are so proud that the Tampa community has embraced this new event aimed at giving kids with lung disease a brighter, healthier future,” said Steven Riddle, executive director at the Lung Association in Florida. “Thank you to our participants, sponsors and partners who came together today to raise nearly $70,000—with more funds still coming in. Every dollar makes a difference. Because when you can’t breathe, nothing else matters.”

Cyclists of all ages took to three scenic courses along the Pinellas Trail: a 10-mile Family Ride, a 40-mile ride and 62-mile metric century ride. Dunedin Commissioner Jeff Gow and City of Clearwater Councilmember David Allbritton addressed riders during the opening ceremonies. Greg Dee, meteorologist with ABC Action News, served as event emcee. The Lung Association recognized Jim Wideen as the top fundraiser. Wideen lost his wife, Pam, to lung cancer earlier this year and is passionate about funding research and new treatments.

Raymond James returned as Signature Sponsor of the event. Local team members participated in the Trek as the “Raymond James Stock Pedalers.”

“Raymond James has a culture of service and giving back to our communities. We are proud to once again partner with the American Lung Association on this event and support its lifesaving mission,” said David Oras, director of IT at Raymond James and member of the Lung Association’s Gulf Coast Florida Board. “Thank you to my colleagues who hit the trails today to raise additional critical funds.”

Each year, students miss nearly 14 million school days due to asthma. It is a leading illness-related reason that children and youth miss school. Here in Tampa, more than 33,000 children have been diagnosed with asthma. The Lung Association has resources to help parents and children living with asthma feel safe and in control at Lung.org/asthma.

Thank you our Gulf Coast Bike Trek sponsors, including Signature Sponsor Raymond James, Sunshine Health, LEAD Staffing, Generations Tax & Wealth Management, Kindred Hospitals, Tobacco Free Coalition of Pinellas County, Florida Health, Trek, REI and St. Petersburg College. Thank you to our national corporate team partner, Kindred Hospitals. Thank you to our media partner, ABC Action News.

For more information about the event and to support the American Lung Association mission to save lives, visit GulfCoastBikeTrek.org.

Raymond James & Associates, Inc., is a member of the New York Stock Exchange/SIPC. Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse the opinions or services of The American Lung Association.