Capitol Morning Report Summary of the 2014 Best Buddies Ride
| TODAY’S CAPITOL MORNING REPORT – Tuesday, September 9, 2014 |
Justin Knighten of Lucas Public Affairs reports that members of “Team Maria,” led by former CA First Lady Maria Shriver and Lt.
Gavin Newsom, pedaled their bikes Saturday along the Pacific Coast Highway for the “Best Buddies Challenge: Hearst Castle,” an annual fundraiser for Best Buddies International, a non-profit started by Shriver’s brother, Anthony Shriver that raises money for programs for people with intellectual an developmental disabilities. Knighten says the team of 107 riders raised over $250,000 this year. Each rider completed one of four courses between Carmel and the Hearst Castle in San Simeon that was 100 miles, 60 miles, 30 miles or 15 miles in length.
The event also included a gourmet BBQ hosted by
Steve Hearst, a musical performance by Bruce Hornsby and concluded with a private VIP reception at Hearst Castle. Donna Lucas of Lucas Public Affairs and Tamara Torlakson of Dewey Square Group have worked with Shriver and Newsom every year since the team began in 2009 and in that time have raised more than $2 million for the cause. Knighten says the Silicon Valley Leadership Group’s Carl Guardino and his wife, Leslee, raised the most money for Team Maria this year and finished the 30 mile course with their daughters, Jessica and Sienna.
Other riders included: State Librarian
Greg Lucas; Michelle Bouchard, president of HealthCorps; Maricela Rodriguez, Leticia Alejandrez, Marlon Cuellar and MaryKay Elnes from The California Endowment; Brook Taylor, Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development; Sacramento City Councilmember Steve Hansen; and staff from Lucas Public Affairs and Dewey Square Group.