WHAT:             The Second Annual Chicago Theater Memorial Bike Ride: Love Hard, a 501(c)(3) organization, will benefit The Actor’s Fund, a nationwide human services organization that helps all professionals in performing arts and entertainment (www.actorsfund.org). The Ride is also initiating an Emergency Aid Fund to ease the financial burden of Chicago artists suddenly faced with the death of a loved one. As we commemorate those who have passed, we also help their loved ones on the difficult road ahead.

This year, the Ride celebrates the lives and contributions of President and CEO of the eta Creative Arts Foundation Abena Joan Brown, actor Dennis Kelly, indefatigable Chicago theater supporter and Northbrook periodontist Dr. Harlan Haimes, and Chicago’s first Cultural Affairs Commissioner Lois Weisberg.

The ride is currently seeking sponsorships, which includes logo placement on t-shirts and the website, with theaters and businesses as well as donations from those unable to make the ride – info at http://chicagotheatermemorialbikeride.weebly.com/donate.html

WHEN:             Saturday, September 10, 2016. Ceremony at 10 a.m.; ride heats at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. There will also be an on-site potluck barbeque celebration at 12 noon. 

GOAL:             The 2016 fundraising goal is $20,000, aiming for up to 400 riders. Last year’s inaugural Ride raised almost $11,000 with 156 riders. "We also saw the families and loved ones struggling,” said event organizer Carmen Roman. “In response to that need, we have also established the Chicago Emergency Aid Fund. We will also do on-line drives where needed and the Fund will cover all administrative costs. On September 10, we will begin with a simple opening ceremony, and a lovely ride, followed by a potluck barbeque. Join to ride, or simply donate to honor and celebrate those who have come before us who encourage us, with the beauty of their spirits, to be the best we can be as artists and as human beings."

WHERE:           The 12-mile bike ride will start at Chicago’s Rainbow Beach Park at 79^th Street and Lake Michigan, and will continue up the Lakeshore Bike Path to the southern tip of Burnham Park, where riders will turn around and ride back to the starting point.

REGISTER/      http://chicagotheatermemorialbikeride.weebly.com

DONATE:         Suggested minimum ride donation is $25

                        Donations of any amount are encouraged even if not participating in the bike ride