TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL)--Cyclists are coming together to raise money for the families of a late Leon County deputy, and a Florida State University student paralyzed after a shooting on campus.
More than five dozen cyclists are pedaling nonstop for nine hours at Badass Fitness on Thomasville Road in Midtown later this month.
Their goal is to raise $18,000.
FSU student Ronny Ahmed was paralyzed after a gunman opened fire at Strozier Library on November 20. A couple days later, Leon County Sheriff's Deputy Chris Smith was killed in an ambush attack.
Badass Fitness founder and CEO Shannon Colavecchio came up with the idea.
"That week in Tallahassee really shook the community, but Tallahassee is strong. And we come together for those who need us," said Colavecchio. "This all-day cycle fundraiser will not only prove the power of Tallahassee's kindness, it will provide much-needed resources to these two families. Ronny's long-term care will be so expensive, and Deputy Smith's widow and children will have financial needs for years to come."
Nine teams will cycle for nine hours on January 31 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The event kicks off with BA Fitness Coach Karen Allen, a wife of a Leon County Sheriff's deputy, leading 11 deputies for the first hour.
Leon County Sheriff Michael Wood and FSU Women's Head Basketball Coach Sue Semrau will be attending.
The event is free and open to the public. Donations can be made online at http://www.gofundme.com/TLHcycle . Organizers say all proceeds from the event and raffle ticket sales will be divided evenly between the two families.
