The American Red Cross of the Pacific Coast will host the sixth annual Ride for the Red cycling event, Nov. 12 at Red Cross headquarters, 836 Calle Plano in Camarillo. The event will benefit the local Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) Program.

There are three ride routes to choose from that vary in length at 30, 65 and 100 miles, traversing through Ventura County with periodic rest stops. All routes start and end at the Red Cross office in Camarillo, where lunch and entertainment will be provided.

Registration fees start at $75; active-duty and military can ride for $10. Now through July 4, community members can sign up for early bird pricing. Register at redcross.org/rideforthered.

Ride for the Red was created by local volunteers eager to share the story and history of the Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces program which aims to provide humanitarian support to military members, veterans and their families around the clock and around the globe.

The support services include 24/7 global emergency communication services and support to military and veteran health care facilities across the country and overseas. The Red Cross helps families cope with deployments and support returning combat veterans as they reintegrate into the community.

“Military families experience emergencies, just like civilian families; except oftentimes they go through a crisis separated from a family member who is deployed,” said Tony Briggs, regional executive of the Central California Region.

“Handling an emergency without your support system can be challenging, but Red Cross volunteers make a huge difference in the lives of our military families through emergency relief. Ride for the Red gives the community the opportunity to come together to raise support for the military, veterans and their families,” Briggs said.

Event participants are also encouraged to reach out to friends, family and supporters to help raise additional funds for the Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) program.

The Red Cross is able to help local military families, thanks to the generosity of donors who support the SAF program. Thank you to 2021 Ride for Red sponsors: AeroVironment, WRiiG, DKKD Staffing, Pacific Western Bank, Bank of America, and in-kind donors.

To make a donation or learn more about sponsorship opportunities, visit redcross.org/rideforthered.