UPDATE: A group of U.S. Naval Academy graduates has just completed a remarkable 1,200-mile charity bike ride to celebrate their 50th reunion. The ride, known as the Gulf to Goat Charity Ride, culminated at 2:40 p.m. on Wednesday at the iconic “Bill the Goat” statue on the Annapolis campus.
Organized by the Class of 1975, this three-week journey began on October 1 in Apalachicola, Florida, and raised over $160,000 for various nonprofits, including the Emily Whitehead Foundation and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. This event not only united cycling classmates but also fostered a spirit of camaraderie and charitable giving.
“Over 20 graduates participated, with some riding the entire distance while others joined for segments,” said Gary Jones, a retired rear admiral and vice president for the class. The effort was spearheaded by alumni Mike Meier and Dan Murphy, who sought a meaningful way to honor their years at the academy by supporting five significant charities.
The ride included emotional moments, such as Mike Donnelly completing the journey alongside his father, retired Vice Admiral Jay Donnelly, to raise awareness for the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration. “Some of these guys have been training for over a year, clocking nearly 5,000 miles on their bikes,” Jones noted, highlighting the dedication of the participants.
As the graduates celebrated their achievement, a gathering took place at the Captain’s Daughter Restaurant, where stories from the ride were shared. On Thursday at 11 a.m., a fireside chat will further highlight the mission behind this charitable endeavor at O’Brien’s Oyster Bar & Seafood Tavern in Annapolis.
The Emily Whitehead Foundation, one of the beneficiaries, advocates for greater access to advanced cancer treatments, founded by the parents of the first child to receive life-saving CAR T-cell therapy. This inspiring initiative reflects the profound impact these graduates aim to have on patients affected by cancer and rare diseases.
This event not only marks a significant milestone for the Class of 1975 but also showcases the enduring spirit of service and community among U.S. Naval Academy alumni.
For further updates or news tips, contact James Matheson at [email protected] or 443-842-2344. Follow him on X @jamesmatheson__.
