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Globe and Mail
a day ago
- General
- Globe and Mail
Rock the Ride USA's Eighth Annual Event Brings Trifecta of National Gun Safety Champions to Napa Valley
Presidential Medal of Freedom Recipient Gabby Giffords, Moms Demand Action Executive Director Angela Ferrell-Zabala, and Brady President Kris Brown, Share Stage on June 28 Napa, CA - June 4, 2025 - Rock the Ride USA, an annual community event dedicated to raising funds and awareness for gun violence prevention, returns for its eighth year on June 28 in Yountville, CA with an all-star lineup on national leaders in gun safety. This annual bike ride and walk brings people together to take action on one of our country's most pressing issues – gun violence. With its inspiring motto — ' Community. Action. Change. Together. '— the family -friendly morning offers a choice of a 25 - mile bike ride, 15 - mile bike ride, 5.5- mile bike ride, or 3 - mile walk. Participants will finish in Yountville Community Park for a Burritos & Bubbles brunch, a silent auction, and the Voices of Change speakers panel featuring national and local leaders working to end gun violence. Returning title sponsor, Sutter Health's Dr. Robert Nordgren, chief medical officer of Sutter's Greater San Francisco Division stated, 'supporting the health and well-being of our communities – both inside and outside of clinical settings – is central to our mission. Rock the Ride provides a powerful platform to bring people together around the shared goal of creating safer environments for our families, friends and neighbors.' This year, Rock the Ride welcomes The Honorable Gabby Giffords, former congresswoman, gun violence survivor, and co-founder of GIFFORDS as one of the event's featured guests. After surviving a 2011 mass shooting in Arizona, Giffords became a national leader in the gun safety movement. In 2013, she co-founded what is now GIFFORDS, an organization committed to saving lives through legislative action and electoral support along with its nonprofit litigation arm Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence. In recognition of her contributions, she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2022. 'Having Gabby with us this year means so much to me, and to our community. Her story is extraordinary - the mental and physical comeback - and to now be leading a powerful national organization fighting to end the epidemic of gun violence is incredibly impressive. We will all walk away from Rock the Ride inspired to continue to take action,' stated Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-04), the inspiration behind Rock the Ride. The Rock the Ride organizing team is also thrilled to host Angela Ferrell-Zabala, who was named Moms Demand Action's first-ever Executive Director in 2023 following organization founder Shannon Watts' retirement. (Watts attended Rock the Ride in 2019.) As a grassroots organizer for many causes—including women's rights, civil rights, LGBTQ+ rights, immigration, reproductive rights, racial justice, and education—Ferrell-Zabala's outlook aligns with Rock the Ride's mission: "No action is too small. My background as an organizer has taught me that what matters most is showing up for your community. When we do that, every small effort builds toward meaningful change." Moms Demand Action, along with Students Demand Action and Everytown for Gun Safety, is the nation's largest grassroots volunteer network working to end gun violence. Moms Demand Action campaigns for new and stronger solutions to lax gun laws and loopholes that jeopardize the safety of families, educates policymakers and parents about the importance of secure firearm storage, and works to create a culture of gun safety through partnerships with businesses, community organizations, and influencers. Joining Rock the Ride for the first time is Brady, one of the nation's oldest gun violence prevention groups, and approaches ending gun violence in America in three critical ways: changing the laws, changing the industry, and changing the culture. Brady President, Kris Brown, who will be in attendance at Rock the Ride, has shaped the national conversation on gun violence as a public health crisis, launched the organization's groundbreaking safe storage program, End Family Fire, steered Brady's efforts to engage Black and Brown communities most impacted by gun homicide, and oversaw the fomation of Team ENOUGH - Brady's youth-led initiative founded after Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School massacre in Parkland, FL. Rock the Ride also welcomes featured notable guest Rahsaan Bahati, a distinguished 10-time U.S. National cycling champion cyclist and the visionary founder of the Bahati Foundation (based in Los Angeles), created to inspire, empower, and uplift underrepresented youth. Through his foundation, Rahsaan has extended his influence on the African continent, forging collaborations with the Ghana and Burkina Faso Cycling Federations. Rashaan will participate in both the Friday evening dinner and Saturday's ride and Voices of Change Speakers series. New to the 2025 event is a Friday evening fundraiser dinner hosted at HALL Rutherford Estate & Caves, limited to 30 guests. 'We look forward to kicking off Rock the Ride with this exclusive dinner with the Gabby Giffords, Angela Ferrell-Zabala, Kris Brown and Rahsaan Bahati in attendance. This intimate experience will no doubt allow our guests to have access and opportunities to ask questions of these national leaders,' said Rebecca Kotch, co-founder of Rock the Ride. 'Ultimately, whether our guests are at the dinner, or on a 25-mile bike ride, the goal of the event is to educate and empower our audience on how they can make a difference in preventing gun violence.' Congressman Mike Thompson, whose advocacy inspired the event's creation, will lead the 25-mile ride. The day will feature remarks from representatives of partner organizations, including Arik Housley of Alaina's Voice Foundation Moms Demand Action, GIFFORDS, and Brady along with Dr. Mark Shapiro, physician and host of Explore the Space podcast, returning as event moderator for the Voices of Change speakers' panel. Event Background Rock the Ride USA was founded in 2018 following the mass shootings at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida and The Pathway Home veterans' program in Yountville, CA. The event was born out of a bike riding conversation between Congressman Thompson, former Napa County Sheriff John Robertson, and event producer Rebecca Kotch. Later that year, the shooting at Borderline Bar and Grill in Thousand Oaks tragically took the life of Napa native Alaina Housley. Her family's foundation, Alaina's Voice, became a beneficiary of Rock the Ride in 2019. Registration & Sponsors Event registration ranges from $35–$150 per person, and youth ages 17 and under participate free in the walk. Proceeds benefit the California Chapter of Moms Demand Action/Everytown for Gun Safety, Giffords Law Center, and Alaina's Voice Foundation. Participants are also able to fundraise for Brady United. In addition to Sutter Health, sponsors include: Trinchero Family Estates, DP&F Law, the Wine Institute, Mike Thompson for Congress, HALL Wines, Napa Valley Vintners, The Doctors Company, Cecilia Aguiar-Curry for Assembly, Clif Family Winery, Joelle Gallagher for Supervisor, Anne Cottrell for Supervisor, Dr. Erica Conway DDS, Mad Fritz Beer, Tomorrow Cellars, Frog's Leap Winery, Explore the Space, Napa Printing, Napa County Bicycle Coalition, Hilo Botanicals and several anonymous and in-kind donors. Facebook: Instagram: @rocktheride Website: Media Contact: Rebecca Kotch rebecca@ 323.806.5900 Media Contact Company Name: Rock the Ride USA Contact Person: Rebecca Kotch Email: Send Email City: Napa State: CA Country: United States Website:
BBC News
3 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Newbury MP calls for better road safety for horses
An MP moved by the death of a two-year-old racehorse has called for improved equestrian road Dem Lee Dillon, who represents Newbury in Berkshire, has raised his concerns in an early day motion tabled in comes after he took part in a road safety awareness ride in Lambourn in memory of Knockalla, which was killed after being hit by a car in Dillon said he "was inspired by the passion and determination of those who took part" and wanted to "turn awareness into action". "It was a powerful display of community action and shared purpose," he Dillon's early day motion highlighted the importance of national guidance, better signage and greater awareness among Monday 30 September, two-year-old Knockalla was being ridden in Lambourn when the horse was frightened by a animal moved out into the middle of the road as a result and was hit, suffering a leg fracture so severe it needed to be euthanised. Figures by the British Horse Society found 3,118 road incidents involving horses were logged in 2024. Of those, 58 horses died and 97 were found riders were victims of road rage and abuse and in some instances drivers drove past either too close to the horses or too fast. You can follow BBC Berkshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
CBS News
6 days ago
- General
- CBS News
St. Sabina Church community has been walking for peace every summer Friday for nearly 20 years
The St. Sabina Church community is not afraid to take to the streets to fight gun violence; they have been walking for peace every Friday night during the summer for nearly 20 years. "The communities with the most violence have poor schools, have lack economic development, lack of housing, boarded up buildings," said Father Michael Pfleger, St. Sabina pastor. "It's not, it's, you know, not rocket science. If you take everything, you rape the community of everything, then don't wonder why you have hopelessness and you have violence." Fr. Pfleger has often reflected on the root causes of violence in Chicago. "We have made violence part of the wardrobe of America, and guns part of the wardrobe of America, and is now an accepted norm, " he said. But the St. Sabina community is doing everything it can to reverse what has become the norm. Hundreds gather in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood over the summer for weekly Friday Night Peace Walks. Residents want to stop gun violence and put an end to the senseless killings around Chicago. The night is more than just a show of force. The church also educates the community about vailable resources. "We pass out information about services we have, about jobs, about our social service, about if you have a record, you can get an expungement. So we pass out information," said Pfleger. "But the biggest thing people keep telling me is, they come out of their houses and on the porch, we have music plays as we're going down the street. They're dancing on their porches. Their kids are dancing in the street. They talk about the joy of seeing a different presence, you know. And I really think it's so important this year, because there — so many people are depressed and feel so hopeless." Each Friday, the same question is asked in the neighborhood: Where is the tension? They hope that by talking that out, another tragedy can be prevented. This year, the Friday Night Peace Walks at St. Sabina will begin on Friday June 13, and go every Friday until Oct. 1. CBS News Chicago has partnered with Strides for Peace as the media sponsor for Chicago's Race Against Gun Violence in Grant Park on June 5. Click here for more information on the fundraiser, how to sign up and our coverage of participating nonprofits.
The Herald
23-05-2025
- The Herald
Nkandla rape suspect rearrested after seeking help from traditional healer
KwaZulu-Natal premier Thami Ntuli commended the community for unifying against gender-based violence by playing a decisive role in police tracking down and apprehending the rape suspect. Ntuli is expected to visit the Mariannhill police station with provincial police commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkwanazi on Friday where a criminal case will be opened against the brother of the Bizimali suspect, who has allegedly been threatening key witnesses involved in the case. 'We are taking a firm stance. Intimidating witnesses is a direct attack on justice, and we will act decisively to protect those who come forward,' said Ntuli. He commended police for their swift action in re-arresting the suspect who reportedly approached a traditional healer seeking intervention in his case. The traditional healer, suspecting foul play, alerted the police. 'The collaboration between communities and law enforcement remains vital. I applaud the traditional healer for acting decisively and thank the SAPS for responding swiftly.' TimesLIVE
Globe and Mail
20-05-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
NewOrg to Showcase Proven Utility Assistance Solutions at Revved Up 2025, Supporting Providers Nationwide
Washington, D.C.--(Newsfile Corp. - May 20, 2025) - NewOrg, a leading provider of nonprofit data management solutions, is proud to announce its participation in the upcoming national conference dedicated to advancing energy and utility assistance programs across the United States. Building on its successful partnership with energy assistance organizations, NewOrg will be on-site to connect with providers and share proven strategies for improving service delivery. The team will also demonstrate how integrated data management helps organizations expand their impact, accelerate processing, and ensure critical funding reaches families without delay. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: The conference brings together utility assistance leaders, community action agencies, government partners, and solution providers to address the growing demand for efficient, accountable energy assistance programs. NewOrg is attending to support this mission, helping organizations nationwide deliver services more effectively. The team will showcase its customizable client and vendor portal, featuring real-world results from a Connecticut-based nonprofit that processed over 1,500 applications in just 4 weeks, paid vendors in as little as 2-7 days, and unlocked over $100,000 in restricted grant funds-all by transforming their outdated processes using NewOrg's platform. About Revved Up The conference, hosted annually by the National Energy and Utility Affordability Coalition (NEUAC), began in 2004 as a gathering of professionals committed to reducing energy burdens for vulnerable households. The event provides education, policy updates, and networking to empower attendees to deliver better services nationwide. This year's event runs from June 2nd to 5th in Charlotte, North Carolina, uniting hundreds of advocates and providers who share a common goal: to make utility assistance easier, faster, and more impactful for families in need. About NewOrg Management System, Inc. NewOrg Management System, Inc. - 4000 Albemarle St NW (Ste 200) Washington, DC 20016 NewOrg is a leading software developer providing a cloud-based data management platform for nonprofits and local government/social service agencies, with more than 50,000 users in the US & Canada since 2006. Celebrating 18 years providing complete, 100% customized data management for nonprofit organizations and affiliates, NewOrg's integrated software and service approach ensures that our partners improve efficiency, transparency, and sustainability.
