Whoever said that complete strangers couldn’t come together for a good cause? That is exactly what happened Thursday, July 12th at The Pug on H St NE in Washington, D.C. when more than 100 friends, neighbors, and motorcycle riders all converged to offer overwhelming support to the sad news regarding Ms. Carolina Alcalde. While riding home on her motorcycle through NW DC during the infamous El Derecho, Carolina was struck by a large tree branch and was ultimately paralyzed from the waist down.
Initiated by friends, and codified by the management at the pug, everyone piled into this cozy bar to give what they could to help defray her medical costs. Carolina’s friends, family, other motorcycle enthusiasts – such as the Latin American Motorcycle Association and DC Rider’s Association of Triumph, among others – participated by way of Facebook networking and an overall yearning to do their part. It can’t be overstated that more than a few folks came just because of their large hearts and love of beer.
The event included a $20 buy-in for unlimited draft beer from 7 pm to 9pm plus an additional raffle – with prizes including gift certificates for several different local restaurants. All in all, the event brought in more than $3,000 towards Carolina’s recovery.
Of course, Carolina still has a long way to go to defray her medical costs. To help carry the resolute spirit she always shows with everyone she touches you can go to the CampoCaro Facebook page to find out more about her and her progress. You will also find how contribute through a direct business or individual donation at Wepay as well as learn about upcoming events elsewhere in town happening on her behalf.
A huge thank-you goes out to the pug for donating the space, their time, effort and of course, to the many distributors for providing the beer. Thanks also go to Andrew Skinner from blackdoorphotos.com for memorializing the event. Ms. Isabelle Ardelean should be recognized for being a great friend to Carolina and working so hard to organize and spread the word. Finally, thanks to all that attended – whatever it was that brought each person to the event, Carolina will benefit the most.
Thanks again to Andrew Skinner for letting us use his images from the event. You can purchase photos from the event on his site — and all proceeds the event photos will go to CampoCaro. See, the giving never ends.
On behalf of DC Triumph.com, we wish her a speedy recovery and hope she can once again taste the wind on two wheels.
