‘Rock the Ride’ for Stroke and Cardiac Patients

Jackson Hole Sotheby’s International Realty staff and agents rode as team Neon Nation for the 2023 Rock the Ride fundraiser.

This past Saturday, March 11th, marked the triumphant in-person return of the Rock The Ride fundraiser, organized by the Rock On Society and benefitting local cardiac and stroke patients via the St. John’s Health Foundation. The event, now in its sixth year, is part high-energy indoor cycling fundraising event and part community-centric costume party with an 80’s rock and 90’s hip-hop infused soundtrack.

Agents and staff from Jackson Hole Sotheby’s International Realty rode for team “Neon Nation.” The team’s members included Ashley Byington, Chelsea Baum, Ciara Malone and Amy Jones. “Rock the Ride was an absolutely stunning evening of spin coach guided rides to the most fun, classic hip hop and rock & roll mixes; riders in full costumes and high spirits, with neon lights, dancing, trampolines… every detail was attended to for this worthy cause,” said Jones.

The purpose behind Rock The Ride has always been personal for founder Julie Guttormson. In 2006 Guttormson suffered a stroke caused by three blood clots obstructing blood flow to her brain. The otherwise healthy 31-year did not fit the stereotypical demographic for a stroke patient. Never one to sit still, Guttormson completed the Ironman triathalon in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho just a year later. She made a complete recovery, and better-than-average health insurance helped her to avoid excessive financial hardship, but she was inspired to increase awareness and support for others who experience similar conditions and the associated burden of medical bills.

Guttormson launched VIM in March of 2012. The fitness studio launched with a spin-focus (originally called Revolution Indoor Cycling) and quickly expanded to include indoor rowing, strength training, barre and other offerings with a re-branding as VIM. Rock The Ride was a natural evolution stemming from Guttormson’s personal experience, passion for fitness and a partnership with the St. John’s Health Foundation. Between 2012 and 2020, the fundraiser brought in more than $300,000 in support of local patients. Now, the event is coordinated via the spin-off non-profit the Rock On Society, which aims to streamline and expand the event.

While the bikes and costumes are put away and the event may be over for the year, the opportunity to give in support of local cardiac and stroke patients is still open until Sunday, March 11th at 4PM. Currently, the ride has raised more than $107,000 towards its $125,000 goal.

“The energy this year was fantastic. Looking around the room and seeing all of these locals who’ve participated before, and a bunch of new faces… it was pretty inspiring, and we raised a lot of money!”

-Jill Sassi
Rock On Society board member and
Jackson Hole Sotheby’s International Realty agent

Jackson Hole Sotheby’s International Realty agent and Rock On Society board member Jill Sassi twirls a signature baton routine as a part of the event’s hype-up energy.

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