Conservative Annual Awards Dinner: An Angel Rode In
Although not an honoree at the April 21st Smithtown Conservative Committee Annual Awards Dinner, one guest made a miraculous impact.
Gary Duff was one of the three Award Winners that evening. After M.C. and head of the Conservative Party Gary Forte spoke of his great contributions to the community, Duff spoke of one project he is most passionate about. Angel Bikes.
Duff introduced Cyndi Ventura who started Angels Bikes after the loss of her son who was a United States Marine, Corporal Jerome D. Ventura. Only 23 at the time of his death, his heart-broken families wanted a way to honor his memory. “I want the veterans to know they are never forgotten,” said Cyndi Ventura.
They created Angel Bikes which provides hand bikes to veterans who are unable to use their legs. The bikes cost approximately $4,000 each. Every bike is custom made for the veteran who will own and us it.
“These bikes give them an opportunity to once again enjoy riding, set goals for themselves and enjoy the comradery of riding with others for a new challenge,” she added.
Unbeknownst to the Bill and Cyndi Ventura at the time they started their non-profit, their other son, also a Marine would end us needing one of those bikes. Lance Corporal William R. Ventura, Jr. survived his tour but in July of 2013 when Angel Bikes was an emerging entity, William was tragically hit by a hit and run driver and paralyzed from the waist down. Far from the war-torn Middle East, in Selden Long Island, her other son became a candidate for one of the bikes to honor his brother. He is now a recipient of one of the bikes, the young veterans was present at the Conservative Party Awards dinner along with his dad and other members of their family.
Duff, the Conservative Award winner helps a variety of charities but has a strong interest in supporting projects with the military. He has a special place in his heart for Angel Bikes; hence brining Cyndi Ventura to the platform during his awards ceremony.
“We have a lot of amputees, something we have not seen in other wars,” said Duff.
So far twenty-seven bikes have been provided to veterans in the New York City area. The American Legion has donated to Angel Bikes, the F.D.N.Y. and that night The Smithtown Conservative party donated $2,000 to the new but prodigious non-profit. “We were thrilled to donate the money to such an amazing organization,” said Forte.
If you know of a veteran interested in a hand cycle or would like to donate please contact Cyndi Ventura at info@angelbikes.org Also check out their Face Book Page simply called Angel Bikes or their website: www.angelbikes.org