On June 21, 2008, nearly 60 participants turned out under overcast skies with passion and enthusiasm for the inaugural ING DIRECT Ride Now Seattle. Participants raised almost $10,000 for autism research and awareness.
Riders gathered at the Faith Christian Center in Federal Way, Wash. where Scott Lugar, Chief Marketing Officer for ING DIRECT North America, stirred the emotions of the crowd with words of encouragement and gratitude. At the announcement: "Riders start your engines!" Ride Now Seattle kicked off and bikers from all over the Greater Seattle area rode to show their support of Autism Speaks. Riders displayed signs, bandanas, pins, and shirts throughout the 2 hour ride, letting all those around know the reason why this ride was taking place.
As riders poured into Downtown Harley Davidson/Buell in Tukwila, Wash., they were greeted with shouts of appreciation and joy, setting the tone for the after-party, which included live music, food, silent auction, and raffles. Ride Now Seattle Committee Co-Chair Mark Barlet addressed the gathering, thanking all those in attendance for the success of this year's ride and revving them up for next year's event, a fitting conclusion to the inaugural 2008 Autism Speaks ING DIRECT Ride Now Seattle.
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