HERSHEY, Pa. - The oil heating industry raised $75,000 for Oil Heat Cares with the 2007 running of Care to Ride, an industry event that helps ensure a warm winter for many in need. Topping last year’s total of $50,000, the event included a motorcycle ride to compliment the two bicycle rides and walk.

The funds raised will purchase heating equipment for those that need a temporary helping hand. As those in need are identified by National Association of Oil Heating Service Managers (NAOHSM) chapters and members, the equipment will be installed at no cost to the homeowner.

“We had challenged the industry to improve on last year’s total. To see that exceeded by 50 percent is astounding,” said Don Farrell, Care to Ride founder and director. “The credit goes to the generosity of the corporate sponsors and the good people who came out and participated.”

Bicyclists, motorcyclers, and walkers enjoyed a festive atmosphere of music and snacks at Hershey Lodge and Convention Center before starting the day’s events. The cyclists rode to the headquarters of the Pennsylvania Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association where they were greeted by Don Welcomer, convention and education director, and hosted to an open house at the association’s training school. The motorcycles took a long scenic ride through the Pennsylvania countryside and rested at Cabela’s Outdoor Outfitters’ 250,000-square-foot retail store, and the walkers walked a local path for their 5 kilometer jaunt.

Publication date: 07/23/2007