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Highlands Today

Heartland Riders

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Lora Todd

Published: March 1, 2009

Recently the Heartland Riders Association went before the Board of the Tourist Development Council to request the balance of the $15,500 that had been budgeted for the Run to the Heartland Event held in October. The event attracted 52,000 visitors to our county and according to the TDC this event only garnered just over 550 room nights.

Since the sponsorships from the TDC are based on the number of heads in beds, they only awarded the HRA with $5,500 and not the $15,500 requested. According to the report filed by the TDC with the county commission, this event has the potential economic impact of $10 million to this county.

Events such as Run to the Heartland are known to build momentum over time. In just five short years this event has grown from 5,000 attendees to over 52,000. The cost of this event is over $80,000. It remains free to the public, family friendly and is run completely by volunteers and is a not for profit organization.

The HRA has always paid for the services from the city: advertising, entertainment, security, safety equipment and insurance from funds generated from sponsorships, merchandise and beer sales, vendor fees and membership fees. It manages throughout the year to help charities such as Horses for Handicap and supports various scholarship funds. We volunteer at chamber functions and lend a helping hand whenever one is needed.

With the economy on the brink of the unknown, the Heartland Riders Association cannot afford to continue this event without your assistance. The board of directors of the Heartland Riders Association is making this appeal to the community. The Run to the Heartland is not just an event for people who ride motorcycles. This event was brought to life by a group of local residents to help support his community. It helps not only the business owners but the support staff at those businesses.

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor for the 6th Annual Run to the Heartland or if you would like to make a contribution to the HRA for this worthwhile event, call 863-414-2851 or at P.O. Box 3611, Sebring, FL. 33871-3611.

Lora Todd
And the Board of Directors
Heartland Riders Association Inc.
Sebring

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