ADS Rides for Hope
ADS donates $10,000 to annual cycling fundraiser for families of fallen police officers
ADS is going the extra mile this year to honor law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.
On January 25, ADS presented Law Enforcement United with a check for $10,000 for the annual “Road to Hope” fundraiser, a 3-day bicycle ride from Chesapeake, Virginia to Washington, D.C.
Held since 2010, the 260-mile ride draws some 400 cyclists to honor fallen officers and raise financial support for their surviving family members. This year’s ride is scheduled for May 10-12, 2024.
“It was always a very challenging ride, yet something I’m always so grateful to have been a part of,” said Omar Higazi, ADS Navy-Marine Corps Inside Sales Account Manager.” ADS’ contribution is very special to me.”
Before joining ADS, Omar spent 15 years working as a police officer, serving on both SWAT and narcotics teams. He took part in the inaugural Ride for Hope in 2010 and continued for another decade before leaving law enforcement and joining ADS.
He was thrilled to see that ADS had been supporting Law Enforcement United for years.
“It’s like everything has come full circle for me,” he said. “I was excited to reunite with some old friends and celebrate ADS’ donation to the cause.”
Law Enforcement United is a 100% volunteer-driven nonprofit organization, with no paid, stipend or salaried board, staff or members. “Nearly every penny raised goes directly to support the organization’s mission and charitable efforts,” Omar said.
On the ride’s third and last day, chapters from Virginia, Pennsylvania and beyond meet up to finish the ride together. A big crowd gathers, including family members of the riders and fallen officers who are all waving flags and cheering the riders on through the finish line. “It’s an emotional moment for everyone involved,” Omar said.
“It’s an incredibly powerful experience to take that journey and to know that every time those wheels turn around, you’re raising awareness for the men and women who gave everything in the line of duty, and raising money for the loved ones they left behind. It’s hard to be tired when you’re that inspired.”
To learn more about Law Enforcement United and the Ride for Hope, visit Law Enforcement United.