Pedal-powered fund raising

Alumnus rides to raise money for AIDS research

Cyclist Hal Dillon ('98) logged 3,230 miles on his bike last summer traveling across 14 states and some of Canada to raise more than $20,000 in seven national bike rides to raise funds for AIDS research. The events were sponsored by Pollotta TeamWorks and Tanqueray-AIDSRidesUSA. Dillon was one of two cyclists in the nation to ride in all seven events, which averaged more than 500 miles each, in cities from San Francisco to Washington, D.C.

The Metro-Washington Alumni Chapter cheered Dillon en route during a Tanqueray-AIDSRide from Raleigh, N.C., to Washington, D.C., in June. A special cheering section of alumni and friends met Dillon on the Washington Mall to support his fund-raising goals. Monies Dillon raised during that ride benefited the Whitman-Walker Clinic and the Food & Friends organization.

Assistant Director of Alumni Relations Tracey Kellogg coordinated the Duke cheering section for Dillon. "This was a proud day for JMU," she says. "Hal's work will benefit so many people, and to have our alumni support him in such a visible way is incredible."

Josh Pringle ('95), president of the Metro chapter, joined Stephanie Tragakis ('96), president of the Baltimore Alumni Chapter, in supporting Dillon's work. "This show of support tells a lot about the kind of people that JMU graduates," Pringle says. "I was a very proud Duke today, and I am extremely proud of Hal. He brings honor to all alumni."

Dillon is a software specialist in the Information Systems and Technology Division of Viacom International Inc. He works from the New York City office and primarily deals with one of Viacom's premier clients, MTV. Viacom creates, promotes and distributes news, sports and music for well-known television, radio and Internet enterprises.

Dillon says that he is grateful that his job allows him the time to participate in such time-consuming fund-raising events. "I wanted to do these bike rides to honor my sister," he says. "My first encounter with AIDS came when my sister, Kimberly, was in the hospital battling leukemia. There was a little boy on her ward named Ricardo who had full-blown AIDS. The lessons that I learned watching these two will be with me forever. Kimberly, who was fighting for her own life, set aside time every day to make sure Ricardo felt loved. I will never forget her unconditional giving and compassion. She taught me that one person can make a difference -- even when the odds are stacked against them."

Dillon also volunteers at Camp Funshine and several other summer camps for children and families fighting cancer and AIDS.

"I wanted to tackle all seven rides for the children and the families that have taught me what it really means to be brave," says Dillon.

Go on the road with Hal Dillon and learn more about his work to raise money for AIDS-related causes <http://www.whyibike.com/>. 

Michelle Hite ('88)