Here at Forefront Communications, we value giving back. Through our corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives – such as volunteering for dinner service at – our team tries when possible to lend a helping hand to important causes in our community. So, when Forefront was approached seven years ago with the opportunity to spearhead the marketing and PR efforts for Rides FAR, we jumped at the chance to take on our first pro-bono client.
Launched in 2015, Rides FAR brings together the Wall Street and autism communities to support the Autism Science Foundation via a unique networking opportunity and a fun fitness challenge. Trading industry leaders take their rivalries to the open road, suiting up in cycling bibs for some friendly competition in the name of autism research. Over time, the original Wall Street Rides FAR event has expanded to four additional cities – Chicago, Baltimore, Toronto and this year Miami – and raised nearly $5 million to date. Forefront Managing Director Mark Dowd serves on the Board of the organization, helping to draw in new corporate sponsors to Rides FAR.
“Forefront’s work with Wall Street Rides FAR is one of the achievements I am most proud of,” Mark said of the firm’s involvement.
Forefront’s work over the past half dozen years has been varied, but all of it – PR, content marketing and social media strategy – has been designed to highlight the myriad benefits firms receive by participating, from team building to networking to the pride felt by giving back. Notably, our development of the “Rider of the Week” campaign, which spotlights participating riders and their reasons for doing so, as well as our work to help Rides FAR secure an annual bell ringing slot at the NYSE each year, have played major roles in building awareness and excitement for the event series.
Commenting on the partnership, Rides FAR Co-founder Bryan Harkins said, “Wall Street Rides FAR has expanded tremendously in just a few short years, and Forefront has played a major role in our growth.”
This year, the New York arm of Rides FAR will take place on October 5th in White Plains. As the 10th anniversary of the event, this year will be extra special, celebrating the incredible work of Rides FAR and ASF over the past decade. Rides FAR provides various participation opportunities, with accessible-friendly options such as shorter rides and walks.
Cheer on #TeamForefront and support an incredible organization by donating here!
