Samaritan Ministries hosted its ninth annual Tour de Llama bike ride and fundraiser at Divine Llama Vineyards in East Bend on Saturday, June 24th. This year’s Tour de Llama featured 289 cyclists, 50 sponsors and dozens of volunteers who helped make the event a success.
Tour de Llama generated $48,160 for Samaritan Ministries – significantly surpassing last year’s total of slightly more than $39,000. All proceeds raised through rider registrations and sponsorships will help Samaritan Ministries provide food and shelter to hungry and homeless neighbors in the Winston-Salem area.
Riders chose from 21, 38 and 60-mile routes that meandered through rural Yadkin County. After completing the selected route, riders and attendees (families and friends) enjoyed a beautiful summer day at Divine Llama complete with food trucks, wine tasting, music and, of course, interacting with the llamas.
“Tour de Llama is not only about fellowship and fun but is also about helping your neighbor. Funds raised help provide food and shelter at a critical point in the year when our donations typically decline,” Samaritan Ministries’ Executive Director Jan Kelly said. “Our guests count on Samaritan Ministries 365 days and nights a year, and this event is a way to raise funds to help us fulfill our mission to offer food, shelter and hope through Christian love.
“Samaritan Ministries and the guests we serve deeply appreciate the many hours of work and planning from the dozens of volunteers who make Tour de Llama such a wonderful event for everyone who participates or attends,” Kelly added. “If anyone missed participating in Tour de Llama but still wants to help Samaritan Ministries, please consider volunteering or offering other ways of support by visiting our website at samaritanforsyth.org.”
Kelly said planning is already underway for the tenth annual Tour de Llama in 2024.
Arbor Investment Advisors served as presenting sponsor of the Tour de Llama. Platinum level sponsors included East Coast Wings + Grill, Reynolda Equity Partners, David and Kathy Murray, and West & Stem Architects. In addition, Ken’s Bike Shop, Divine Llama Vineyards and several other partners helped make this event possible.
Founded in 1981, Samaritan Ministries is an interdenominational, volunteer-based Christian ministry that serves Winston-Salem and Forsyth County. The Samaritan Ministries Soup Kitchen and Samaritan Inn Shelter are open 365 days and nights a year to serve people in need. Samaritan Ministries is located at 414 East Northwest Boulevard near downtown Winston-Salem.
For more information about Samaritan Ministries, please visit samaritanforsyth.org.
