DORAL, Fla.—May 20, 2025—Northstar Financial Planners in Plantation, Fla., proudly sponsored the sixth annual Autism Bike Ride, “Riding for the Cause,” held on April 12, 2025. Organized by Metro-Dade Firefighters Local 1403, the event brought awareness to autism spectrum disorder and raised funds for therapies and treatments.
“This event is not just about cycling; it’s about making a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals with autism and their families,” said Allen Giese, ChFC®, ChSNC®, CLU®, President, Chief Executive Officer, and Senior Financial Advisor at Northstar Financial Planners. “Our firm works with families facing special needs challenges, and we were honored to support an event that raises awareness and funds for this community.”
This sponsorship marked the second consecutive year that Northstar Financial Planners has supported the cause. In addition, Lead Advisors Charles Thomas, CFP®, MBA, and Joseph Valerio, CFP®, EA, participated in the ride, joining cyclists from across the region.
The Autism Bike Ride started at the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Headquarters-Training Facility in Doral and featured two routes to allow cyclists of different experience levels to participate. The 12-mile leisure ride guided participants through the City of Doral. For more experienced cyclists, a challenging 40-mile route extended through Miami-Dade County.
A post-race festival featured food and dessert vendors. Event sponsors and resource organizations were also on-site, providing information and support.
Proceeds from the event support the Dade County Association of Fire Fighters Charities, which provides assistance to firefighter families. Ride funds go toward organizations that offer therapies and treatments for children diagnosed with autism. Additionally, a portion benefits the University of Miami’s efforts to increase autism awareness and expand therapeutic treatment options.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to support this event and the important work it does for the autism community,” added Giese. “Our team believes in actively engaging in causes that make a difference in people’s lives. Seeing the enthusiasm of the riders and the support from the community was truly inspiring.”
Northstar Financial Planners specializes in financial planning for Florida Retirement System special risk participants. Supporting “Riding for the Cause” aligns with the firm’s dedication to providing guidance and resources that help parents plan for a stable future for both themselves and their children.
Visit Metro-Dade Firefighters Local 1403 at local1403.org.
For information about Northstar Financial Planners, visit northstarplanners.com.
The ChFC®, ChSNC®, and CLU® are the property of The American College, which reserves sole rights to their use, and are used by permission.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization’s initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.
About Northstar Financial Planners Inc.
Northstar Financial Planners is an independent Registered Investment Advisor committed to helping people achieve what is most important to them in life. Based in Plantation, Florida, the fee-only advisory firm provides financial planning and investment management services to clients including pre-retirees, Florida Retirement System special-risk employees, and families of children with special needs. Contact Northstar Financial Planners at 954-693-0030 or northstarplanners.com.
Press Contacts
Allen Giese, ChFC®, ChSNC®, CLU®
Northstar Financial Planners
1250 S. Pine Island Road, Suite 275
Plantation, FL 33324
Phone: 954-693-0030