Volunteers are the key to the success of any non-profit organization. Since the establishment of Heart Ride, Biggs Chapter North San Diego County H.O.G group has been the main source of volunteers. Without their dedication and drive we couldn't raise the funds we do.
The Angela Spence Foundation has donated significantly to American Heart Association over the past 7 years in an effort to not only help fight heart disease, still America's number one killer that touches the lives of so many of us. We also have provided additional funds to the Jenna Druck Foundation in an effort to provide hope to those families in bereavement. Our goal is...
Healing the Human Heart One Beat at a Time
&
Turning Grief into Hope
History of the Heart Ride
Top Stories of 1996
•TWA Flight 800 Crashes
• President Bill Clinton Elected for 2nd Term
• Olympics Celebrate 100 years in Atlanta , GA
• Ted Kaczynski Arrested as Unabomber
As important as these events may have been to most of us, they were overshadowed for two San Diego fathers, Richard Lillibridge and Ken Druck. In 1996, both men had experienced a parents' worst nightmare . the loss of a child.
Fathers Bonded By Hope
Richard Lillibridge and Ken Druck were introduced by a mutual friend in 1996. They became instant buddies, but not for the usual reasons. They were deeply devoted fathers, and both loved riding Harley's - but these Dad's were bonded by something deeper. They had lost their beloved daughters, Angela and Jenna, and were heartsick with grief. And they were fighting for their very lives through the pain.
Richard and Ken would meet over breakfast, talk about their lives and encourage one another to 'keep on keeping on.' "We took turns," Ken recalls, "There were times I was hurting so bad off Richard had to breathe for me, and vice versa." Often they would ride their Harley's into the foothills or along the ocean -- a temporary reprieve from grief. In time, it became clear that both of these dads wanted to do something special in their daughter's names.
Through their fierce determination to honor their daughters and with the support of friends, Richard and Ken started non-profit organizations. Today, eight years later, The Angela Spence Foundation raises funds for the American Heart Association, the Jenna Druck Foundation, and other health related charities. Their annual "Heart Ride" raises money for heart research. The Jenna Druck Foundation helps thousands of bereaved families annually through their award-winning Families Helping Families Program.
Helping Other Hearts in Need
These two fathers, bonded by their losses and friendship, have become dear friends and brothers. Working together, they have summoned the resources of their Foundations to help other families. On Saturday morning, September 30, 2006, they will ride together once again, but this time they will lead over one thousand riders from the parking lot of Biggs Harley-Davidson in San Marcos in the 9th Annual Heart Ride. The goal: to raise $100,000 for their Foundations.
What better way to express their love for their daughters than to help other families who are in need.
For More Information about The Heart Ride, The Angela Spence Foundation or The Jenna Druck Foundation, or to interview Richard Lillibridge and/or Dr. Ken Druck please contact Paul Bartlett Heart Ride Chairman, at (760) 481-7300, extension 107.
