The home heating oil industry has a long and proud history, and Fuel Oil News has been there supporting it since 1935. It is an industry that has faced many challenges during that time. In its 77th year, Fuel Oil News is doing more than just holding
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Annual Care to Ride Aims for Another Successful Year Fundraising ride supports Oil Heat Cares A long with the 61st annual OESP convention and trade, there is plenty of ways to get engaged with the industry, including the popular fundraising bike race. The annual Care to Ride event benefits the Oil Heat Cares program that aims to help struggling homeown- ers get the heating infrastructure they need no cost to them. Historically, the ride has raised thousands of dollars each year for the program and brings biking, walking and motor- cycling industry stakeholders. The ride is broken down into three categories of partici- pants, according to Dave Bessette, chairperson of the board at Oil Heat Cares. "There are three categories who participate. The bicycle riders, motorcycle riders and runners/walkers. Each riding group expects about twenty riders. About half of the motor- cycle group has a passenger," said Bessette. To be a part of the ride, prospective riders should register in the parking lot of the Hershey Lodge on Monday, May 18. Riders must pledge the minimum of $100 to participate and teams can join with a pledge of $600. All funds going directly to helping needy homeowners. "The monies raised pay for oil heating equipment for cur- rent and potential consumers who have come across unex- pected circumstances and truly need help," said Bessette. "OHC is dedicated to providing the warmth and security that everyone deserves." Bessette said the ride is a significant portion of the funds they use each year. "The event has averaged $50,000.00 each year with the help of many of the industry supporters, manufacturers, our trade show exhibitors and OESP Chapters members," said Bessette. He said all that money helps bring companies, manufac- turers and supplies together to make a difference. "Oil Heat Cares strengthens the industry by teaming up oil heat professionals from all aspects of the industry. Whether it is an equipment supplier, an owner, or a ser- vice technician, they are all teaming up to benefit others in need. It is common to see local competitors work together to accomplish a common goal or to see a group of current employees spending time during the weekend to help out an oil heat customer going through a tough time," Said Bessette. That money also helps bring new faces into the industry. "OHC has turned into an educational tool; students have worked side-by-side with industry professionals, learned valuable skills that will benefit them for the rest of their lives, and learned what it feels like to give back to their com- munities," said Bessette. He said the 2014 event was a little different than normal, but was still a great success. "Many of our members were in Gettysburg that week- end for our annual Oilheat Retreat with the Roadshow immediately following. The timing was just right," said Bessette. Instead of relying on big donors last year, he said they relied solely on participants, but still raised plenty of money for Oil Heat Cares. "They sure came through for Oil Heat Cares. Together we raised $24,558.91 for our foundation," said Bessette. After the ride, the board recognized the biggest fund- raises by division. Ralph Adams, Parker Fuel, Mid-Atlantic Chapter raised the most in the Motorcycle Division Roger Marran, Energy Kinetics, brought in the most in the Bicycle Division Scott Vadino, Harriet's Energy, South Jersey raised the most in the Running Division Dan and Marianne Holohan, Heating.Help.com brought in the most in the Walking Division So don't forget to bring the bike and the checkbook and you might get on the list for bragging rights, and supporting a valuable public relations piece for the entire industry. The ride begins at 10 a.m. on May 18 at the Hershey Lodge & Convention Center in Hershey, Pa. 32 MAY 2015 | FUEL OIL NEWS | www.fueloilnews.com l F O N BUSINESS OPERATIONS "OHC has turned into an educational tool; students have worked side-by-side with industry professionals, learned valuable skills that will benefit them for the rest of their lives, and learned what it feels like to give back to their communities." — Dave Bessette.