FARMINGTON, Conn. — A record-breaking $7 million was raised at the Dream Ride Experience in Farmington as Sunday marked the close of the drive.
The charity drive, held from Aug. 23-25, was hosted by the Hometown Foundation Inc., the philanthropic arm of Cheshire-based Bozzuto’s Inc. The event marked the 24th year at the Farmington Polo Club and raised money for charities including Special Olympics and Dog Star Rescue.
The event's Dream Riders included Special Olympics athletes and individuals who are intellectually or developmentally challenged from across the nation and the world.
Among the features at the event, according to its website, included the Dream Ride, a 40-mile police motorcycle tour escorted by police through Farmington countryside; the Dream Cruise, which involved 600 athletes, many of whom are intellectually challenged, taken on a 14-mile ride in an exotic car; and a Dream Show showcase of "cars and motorcycles in the largest cause-related car show on the East Coast."
Aside from fast cars at the event Sunday, there were fast breaks with the Unified Basketball game, one of the multiple featured Special Olympics Unified Sports.
"It's just a fantastic atmosphere," David Taylor, DTX basketball coach, said at the game. "Being a part of it for the last dozen years - like I have been - I've just been blessed."
Sean Wilson, a junior at Trumbull High School, added, "It was fun playing out there. Just seeing them smile makes my day."
"It's a wonderful cause, it's a wonderful event," said UConn Women's Basketball Player Aubrey Griffin. "I'm just happy to be here."
In 2023, the Dream Ride event raised a previous record of $4.2 million for charity.
More information on this year's Dream Ride Experience can be found here.
$7 million raised at Dream Ride Experience in Farmington
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