Bozzuto's Dream Ride Hits New Fundraising Record

Oct 25, 2022

IGA Licensed Distribution Center (LDC) Bozzuto’s, Inc. had its best year ever in hosting its annual Dream Ride Experience, raising $3.5 million over the course of the 3-day event in late August. 

The funds went to The Hometown Foundation, Inc., a non-profit charitable organization committed to supporting those in need in conjunction with Bozzuto’s, Inc., its family of retailers, and community business partners.

"From raising $3.5 million to having a record number of Dream Riders, cars, and motorcycles participate, the event was a true success. As always, we focused on providing our Dream Riders with an inclusive and accepting environment in which we celebrate their accomplishments," says Jamie Hughes Biberaj, relationship manager at The Hometown Foundation. The Dream Riders were Special Olympics athletes from five countries and 33 states who enjoyed activities throughout the weekend. 

What started in 2001 as the optimistic vision of Bozzuto’s CEO Michael Bozzuto, The Hometown Foundation began as the “Hometown Wheels” event, where 12 motorcycles revved their engines to ride for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Dream Ride Experience has since grown into the largest philanthropic endeavor in Bozzutto’s long history of giving back to the people and communities they serve. 

Throughout the weekend, attendees experienced live entertainment, food and drinks, vendors, a police K-9 challenge with dozens of departments from across the country competing, a dozen Connecticut fire departments participating in the Firefighter Chili Cook-Off, 100 pets at the Pet Adoption Expo finding their forever homes, the Dream Ride with more than 1,000 motorcycles riding, and the Dream Show with nearly 1,000 cars on display.

One of the highlights of the weekend was the Dream Cruise. Cars and drivers came from across the country – and even from Australia – to open the doors of their unique vehicles to individuals with intellectual or developmental needs or those who have faced challenges affectionately known as Dream Riders.

Fundraising from multiple entities help make this event better every year, and that includes IGA retailers doing their part.

“We are fortunate to have the support of multiple IGA retailers across the northeast that run our retailer fundraising programs in store to support The Hometown Foundation,” Hughes Biberaj says.

“Our IGA retailers run our Reach for the Stars fundraising program to raise funds in support of The Hometown Foundation’s Dream Ride Experience and local Special Olympic chapters. The Hometown Foundation has a great partnership with IGA and IGA retailers, and we look forward to continue growing this relationship for years to come."

The Dream Ride is one of the largest charity motorcycle rides in Connecticut. It's a 40-mile police-escorted motorcycle ride and rally through the Connecticut countryside. Thousands of motorcycles converge in Farmington, Connecticut all to ride and benefit The Hometown Foundation, Inc.

Next year’s event is Friday Aug. 25, 2023 through Sunday, Aug. 27, 2023. Hughes Biberaj says they are hoping to bring Dream Riders from even more states and countries to experience the magic of Dream Ride.

“In order to do this, we rely on the support of our sponsors and donors. The Hometown Foundation would not be able to create this amazing weekend without our sponsors and donors, who help to make it possible for our Dream Riders to have this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Hughes Biberaj says.

For information about The Hometown Foundation, visit www.hometownfoundation.org. For information about The Dream Ride Experience, visit www.dreamride.org. You can also call 203-250-5112 or email info@hometownfoundation.org.

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