In 2014, David Eckstein, co-owner of Valera Global, organized the first-ever LimoPatriotRide.org and began accepting donations for what, at the time, was called the Marine Semper Fi Fund (it’s now the Semper Fi Fund & America’s Fund), an organization that provides immediate financial assistance and lifetime support to combat wounded, critically ill and catastrophically injured members of all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families.
“We chose this organization because 100% of all donations go directly to the Semper Fi & America’s Fund, and now Facebook pays all the processing fees, so you know that 100% of your donation goes directly to the charity, which has a rating score of 97.28%,” Eckstein explains. “We’ve gotten some great support from our industry, and I’d like to give a VERY BIG shout out to Matt Daus and Windels Marx for helping out this year.”
Since the foundation was started, The Limo Patriot Ride has raised over $130,000 for this worthy cause. Interested in donating? Visit the following links:
- limopatriotride.org
- https://semperfifund.org/event/limo-patriot-ride-2022/
- https://www.facebook.com/donate/276844014389350/10228727663842762/
Eckstein invites anyone who is local or attending the CD/NLA Show in Las Vegas to participate. You don’t need to ride a motorcycle (although many of the participants rent them at a discount at the shop where the ride begins). Luxury sedans, SUVs and buses also follow the motorcycle procession from Eagle Riders in Las Vegas to their Valley of Fire destination, leaving on the morning of March 31 this year.
There is a minimum contribution of $100 to participate. The Semper Fi & America’s Fund is a 501(c)(3), so all donations are tax-deductible, and every penny goes directly to those in need.
Prior to the “official” annual ride (from Vegas to the Valley of Fire State Park), Eckstein travels from Long Island to Las Vegas each year, during which time he has faced down a savage hailstorm, a hurricane, “two-way rain” and several nor’easters. Participants in the event will fortunately not be taking such risks.
Eckstein will begin his ride this year a week before the CD/NLA Show begins on March 27, and estimates he’ll travel between 7,000-8,000 miles by the time he returns home. He always plans several routes, which can vary year by year, based primarily on weather forecasts. Along the way, he visits family, friends and fellow limousine operations – often meeting with existing and prospective affiliates for his company, which provides service in cities across the globe.
For more information, please reach out to one of the following participants: David Eckstein: David.Eckstein@ValeraGlobal.Com,Tracy Salinger: Tracy@Uniquelimousine.com, Bill Kerr: wkerr@camryn-limo.com, or Terrie Lane: terrie.lane@curtisgabriel.com
