A team representing HGH EMS Rescue will ride almost 600 miles next month in honor of Christian Echevarria, who died Jan. 6, 2014.
Local residents will have a chance to support "The Ride for 945" during an enchilada dinner fundraiser scheduled for 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. this Saturday, April 19, at Chihuahua's Grill & Cantina. Tickets are $10 each; children age 2 and under are free with a paid adult.
Additionally, the group will host a raffle for many prizes, including a 32" Sony flat screen TV, a $50 gift certificate to the Winnemucca Inn, and two Weber Smoky Joe BBQ grills donated by Marigold.
The "National EMS Memorial Bike Ride" will kick off May 17 from various locations throughout the United States before ending seven days later on May 25 in Alexandria, Virginia.
Among the hundreds who will make the grueling journey are five "Muddy Angels" from Humboldt General Hospital Emergency Medical Services Rescue including paramedics Debbie Whittaker and Monique Rose, and EMTs Tom Stephen and Tammy Harding. Additionally, Greg Harding, Jaime Songer and Alicia Echevarria will make the trek; Nolan Rose will provide support.
The group will ride in the East Coast circuit, departing from Boston, Massachusetts, and traveling approximately 100 miles each day, before arriving one week later in Alexandria, Virginia.
From there, all riders will join together in a show of solidarity and pedal the final miles into Washington, DC.
The group has been training for the event, riding anywhere from 30 to 50 miles at a stretch to simulate the road miles they will encounter during the ride.
Additionally, team members have spent their own money preparing for the ride by purchasing road bikes, equipment and uniforms-not to mention the many hours they have donated toward the cause.
"It is a big commitment," said Debbie Whittaker, "but we are honored to do this for Christian [Echevarria]. It's a wonderful way to remember him, to honor EMS in general, our local station, and the many, many people we serve every day."
The group is seeking sponsorships from area businesses and organizations. Whittaker said any amount is welcome. Checks payable to "Ride for 945" may be sent to Humboldt General Hospital, c/o HGH EMS Rescue Muddy Angels, 118 E. Haskell Street, Winnemucca, Nevada 89445.
For tickets to Saturday's enchilada dinner fundraiser or for more information, please call Whittaker at (775) 623-5222, ext. 1363, or stop by HGH EMS Rescue, located at 1000 Mizpah Street.
All proceeds from the fundraiser go to the Muddy Angels Memorial Fund, which benefits families who have lost loved ones in the line of duty.[[In-content Ad]]
