The Rancheros Visitadores group will continue its annual spring tradition of parading through the streets of Solvang to old Mission Santa Inés, 2:30 p.m. Saturday, May 3.
Community members are invited to attend a blessing of the riders and a check presentation to the Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara.
More than 750 Rancheros from 37 states and six countries typically gather for the event.
Since 2012, in conjunction with the annual ride, the Rancheros Visitadores, in partnership with Wrangler, have raised funds for the Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara.
As the largest contributor to Ridley-Tree Cancer Center, the Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara funds a variety of research and supportive care programs at Ridley-Tree Cancer Center, both in Santa Barbara and Solvang, to help residents on their journey with, through and beyond cancer.
Starting under the initiative and leadership of member Steve Beneto, the Rancheros Visitadores have donated more than $1.73 million to the Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara over the last 12 years.
This year the Rancheros Visitadores raised more than $200,000, breaking previous annual fundraising records on their way to surpassing $2 million by May 2027.
Beneto believed deeply that Rancheros Vistadores should support the Santa Ynez community that has been so welcoming to the annual parade and ride.
“Many of our members know first-hand the challenges a cancer diagnosis brings,” said Corky Ullman, Rancheros Visitadores el presidente. “Our collaboration with the Cancer Foundation ensures our local members, their family, friends and neighbors have access to a host of services to support them during their diagnosis, treatment and recovery. We are pleased to support this community that welcomes us back each year.”
“Our partnership with the Rancheros Visitadores provides important funding for programs such as oncology nutrition, genetic counseling, and oncology social work both in Solvang and Santa Barbara,” said Lori Willis, executive director of the Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara.
“The donations from the members of the Rancheros Visitadores are critical to helping patients navigate a period of uncertainty in their lives, often helping them to reduce stress, manage side effects and focus on healing,” Willis said.
The Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara appreciates the continued support of the Rancheros Visitadores and looks forward to furthering our shared goal of making a significant difference in the lives of cancer patients in Santa Barbara County, the foundation said.
To learn more, visit the Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara, www.cfsb.org.