Watching Mike Stramaglio try to work his way from the front of the exhibit hall to the back aisle at ITEX 2019 was like seeing a politician weave through a crowd of supporters. Every five feet or so, another attendee would stretch out his hand to greet Stramaglio, amid smiles and laughter.
The industry veteran, now a member of the Konica Minolta/All Covered family, is amped up for next month’s ride across America with the Patriots Pack, a group of motorcycle enthusiasts who will start out in Scottsdale, Arizona, on an 11-day pilgrimage that will join up with the Rolling Thunder rider organization in Washington, D.C. Rolling Thunder is a 31-year-old group dedicated to bringing awareness to American POWs/MIAs. Last year, it attracted more than half a million riders.
Stramaglio made his first run seven years ago as kind of a bucket list item. His daughter, Jenna (All Covered/MWA Intelligence’s chief marketing officer) joined forces with Bill McLaughlin of Atlantic, Tomorrow’s Office and a co-founder of The Jillian Fund, and that involvement led to The Ride gaining more exposure and a second cause.
The Jillian Fund
For those unfamiliar with the cause, The Jillian Fund was created in the wake of Jillian Gorman’s passing. The daughter of Ricoh Corp.’s George Gorman, Jillian was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, a cancer of the blood and bone marrow, in 2009. She passed away in 2013.
Mike Stramaglio and friends
Even in his grief, Gorman empathized with the countless families of other children with life-threatening illnesses, who often suffered the loss of income (indeed, in some cases, their jobs) in order to spend time bedside with loved ones in hospitals and clinics. The idea that families would have to choose between spending the final days with their children or working in order to keep food on the table motivated Gorman and McLaughlin to create The Jillian Fund.
To date, the organization has raised more than $1.6 million, which has gone directly to more than 150 families in their time of need, enabling them to remain bedside by providing funds to pay for everyday and emergency expenses (hotels, rental cars, groceries, bills, etc.). Thus, when the Patriots Pack goes “kick stands up” on May 16, it’s an opportunity to ride for those who can’t ride, according to Stramaglio. It also paves the way to not only celebrate the lives of loved ones lost, but a chance for the industry to come together in an effort to make the burden of families a little less overwhelming.
Team of Caring
The Patriots Pack includes about 20 riders who will start from Scottsdale or other points during the 11-day journey, backed by a rider support “sweep vehicle” driven by BTA General Counsel Bob Goldberg and Raj Thadani, owner of Mars International (provider of the RV, which will also offer fundraising swag along the way). The Pack will be hosted by eight office technology dealerships along the way—some at the companies’ headquarters, others at the homes of chief executives. During the adventure, Stramaglio—backed by social media efforts—will bring the cause to light for literally thousands of people, with a target goal of raising $150,000. To date, the ride has generated more than $300,000 for The Jillian Fund. Capping the fundraising event for 2019 is The Jillian Fund Gala, which will be held Oct. 30 in Garfield, New Jersey.
“When you ride thousands of miles on a motorcycle with anybody, you either become really great friends or really great enemies,” Stramaglio said with a laugh. “These guys really are a brotherhood, they come together every year, give up their personal/family time, and make contributions. It’s a remarkable sacrifice. It’s not a vacation in Hawaii…riding across country on a motorcycle is hard work.”
For the fourth year in a row, Clover Imaging Group has donated a Harley-Davidson motorcycle to be raffled off at $100 per ticket. A drawing for the 2019 XL 883N Iron will take place during the Gala. The bike raffle had its roots in the first time Stramaglio visited Clover’s Jim Cerkleski at the latter’s Chicago facility. A bike was sitting in front of a clock at the facility, and Stramaglio asked about the story behind it. Cerkleski replied, “We like toys.”
Right on the spot, Stramaglio asked if Cerkleski would consider donating the bike to The Jillian Fund. After hearing Stramaglio explain the organization and its objective, Cerkleski replied, “Take it, it’s yours.”
Industry Bands Together
Clover is one of many organizations within our industry that has graciously supported the cause, according to Stramaglio. “To me, that’s the beauty of the industry. The community is very generous…it’s the heartbeat of what this industry is all about. We should all be proud of that.”
Stramaglio also wanted to give a shout out to Patriots Pack member Doug “Doc” Johnson, who recently was injured in a bike accident in preparation for the journey. Johnson will be there in spirit, and members will be thinking of him when the kick stands go up.
Mike Stramaglio on the open road
“For us, it’s an industry event, it’s bonding, not about one company or another company,” Stramaglio said. “Sponsorships come in and we’re thankful to everyone. We know we’re doing something good, and at the same time, we have a lot of fun doing it. It’s a real brotherhood, just great group of guys. And we’re thankful for their families and employers for helping to make this a reality.”
For Stramaglio, a Navy veteran, the pilgrimage to Rolling Thunder makes the quest all the more worthwhile. “To recognize the veterans past, current and future, the MIAs and KIAs, it’s just extraordinary. For many of us, it is part of what we do and who we are. The two causes in tandem makes for a truly life-changing experience. For thousands of miles, in good and bad weather, good and bad circumstances, everyone bands together.”
For more information on how you can support The Ride and The Jillian Fund, contact Jenna Stramaglio at (602) 377-4796 or via email. Learn more about The Jillian Fund by visiting its website. Click here to make a donation.
