CE Express Raises Over $40,000 for Cancer Research!
The CE Express, who biked across the United States from Augusta, Maine, to CEDIA EXPO 2006, announced today that the group successfully raised over $40,000 for cancer research – more than doubling the amount raised by last year's ride.
The 2,200+ mile journey, led by Ken Smith, president of Custom Electronics and president of CEDIA (Custom Electronic Design Installation Association), began Aug. 19 in Augusta, Maine, and ended with a grand finale celebration last month in Denver at the Annual CEDIA EXPO. Along the way, sponsored riders from around the country joined the tour, including a West Coast team that scaled the Rockies for hundreds of miles and thousands of feet, eventually crossing paths with Smith and the rest of the CE Express for a special "meet in the middle" ride-in celebration at CEDIA in Denver.
Proceeds from the ride, which was sponsored by noted CE companies Niles Audio Corporation and SpeakerCraft, will be equally donated to the Lance Armstrong Foundation and the Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care in Maine.
During the ride, countless pedestrians, other cyclists and drivers stopped Smith and the other riders, sharing their stories of cancer survival, brushes with the disease and tales of friends and family members whose lives have been affected or taken by cancer, Smith said.
"This year's ride was definitely a success," said Ken Smith, ringleader of the CE Express. "Along our trek, we met so many people who were personally touched by this disease. They inspired us to keep going when we didn't think we could pedal another mile. Their support, generous donations and encouragement made this ride worth while and successful, and for that, I am eternally grateful."
Smith, an accomplished cyclist, rode a similar solitary trek last year from Maine to Indianapolis
to raise funds for cancer research after being affected by several co-workers, friends and family members diagnosed with the disease. That ride raised $22,000. This year Smith expanded his journey exponentially in hopes of raising more money and getting more people involved.
"Niles was pleased to sponsor the CE Express this year," said Frank Sterns, President of Niles Audio. "Ken's determination and drive serves as an inspiration to our company and to all those fighting against and affected by cancer. Niles will continue to support Ken in his efforts to raise funds for this worthy cause."
Smith hopes to keep the momentum going for the CE Express' fundraising efforts. Plans are underway for other charity events in 2007 and another CE Express ride leading up to next year's CEDIA EXPO in Denver is already in the works. Additionally, the group will continue to take donations on the CE Express website, www.weallknowsomeone.org.