Bike ride to raise funds for Operation: Tohidu

Photo property of SMECO

Hughesville, MD – Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) employees will host their fifth annual bike ride on June 4, 2016. Three bike routes of 29, 47, and 75 miles will start at the Co-op’s headquarters in Hughesville and go as far as Colton’s Point in St. Mary’s County. Profits from the bike ride will be donated to Melwood’s Operation: Tohidu®.

Natalie Cotton, SMECO’s community and public affairs director, said, “We invite local businesses and organizations to help sponsor the bike ride. For people who want to donate, but are unable to participate, contributions can also be made via PayPal on SMECO’s website.”  

She added, “Operation: Tohidu is a program for active duty military personnel and veterans who need help integrating into the community. The funds raised at this event will benefit Southern Maryland veterans and military.”

Last year, the event raised more than $23,000 and had 470 cyclists who participated. Another $18,000 was raised by the SMECO Annual Charity Golf Outing held in October. The events are supported by a group of volunteers, vendors, and the SMECO executive team. The Co-op selects a different organization each year to benefit from the fundraising events.

Cari DeSantis, Melwood’s President & CEO, said “We are looking forward to working with the SMECO team to help raise funds for this meaningful program.” According to the Melwood.org website, Operation: Tohidu is a seven-day holistic retreat designed for wounded veterans and active duty military who are dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), mild to moderate traumatic brain injury (mTBI), and other deployment related traumas. It is designed to help them overcome obstacles to their recovery and support their successful reintegration into their homes and communities. DeSantis added, “SMECO’s dedication to the community it serves is admirable, and their employees’ charitable spirit is heartwarming.” 

“Tohidu” is a Cherokee word meaning peace of mind, body, and spirit. Melwood’s Operation: Tohidu is an experiential rehabilitation program that focuses on confidence-building, outdoor activities, and group discussion in a relaxed, positive environment using proven techniques for the self-management of symptoms, stressors, and responses. Operation: Tohidu sessions are scheduled throughout the year at Melwood’s Retreat and Recreation Centerin Nanjemoy, Maryland.

Jim Hudnall of the Oxon Hill Bicycle and Trail Club said, “Our club members collaborated with SMECO on the first ride in 2012 to help celebrate the co-op’s 75th anniversary, and we’ve been very pleased with the way the event has grown. As a cyclist who participates in a lot of rides, this is one of the most well-organized and most enjoyable. Our club members rave about the SMECO 75 and put it at the top of their list.”

Cotton expressed gratitude for the support provided by companies and organizations who contribute to the fundraisers. She said, “Because of the resources that our business partners provide, we are able to raise a substantial amount of money that makes a significant impact on local charities.”