Area Fee-Only Firm Marks Third Consecutive Year Supporting Autism Awareness
DORAL, Fla. — April 13, 2026 — Northstar Financial Planners, a fee-only Registered Investment Advisor in Plantation, Fla., was proud to sponsor the seventh annual Autism Bike Ride, “Riding for the Cause,” held on Saturday, April 11, 2026. Organized by Metro-Dade Firefighters Local 1403, the event brought together residents, civic leaders, and hundreds of first responders to raise awareness of autism spectrum disorder and funds for therapies and treatments.
This year marked Northstar Financial Planners’ third consecutive sponsorship of the ride. Lead Advisors Charles Thomas, CFP®, MBA, and Joseph Valerio, CFP®, EA, also participated as riders, joining cyclists from across the region.
“This ride brings together two communities that are very close to our firm — first responders and families affected by autism,” said Allen Giese, ChFC®, CLU®, ChSNC®, Northstar’s President, Chief Executive Officer, and Senior Financial Advisor. “We work with first responders and families with children who have autism, and being part of an event that supports them is something our entire team takes pride in.”
The Autism Bike Ride started at the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Headquarters-Training Facility in Doral and featured two routes for cyclists of different experience levels. The 12-mile leisure ride guided participants through the city of Doral, while a challenging 40-mile route extended through Miami-Dade County. A post-ride festival featured food and dessert vendors, and event sponsors and resource organizations were on-site providing information and support.
Proceeds from the event support the Dade County Association of Firefighters Charities, which provides financial assistance to firefighter families and supports charitable causes. A portion of the ride’s proceeds also benefits the University of Miami’s efforts to increase autism awareness and expand therapeutic treatment options. Since the ride’s inception in 2019, more than $80,000 has been raised to assist families.
Northstar Financial Planners specializes in financial planning for Florida Retirement System (FRS) special risk participants and families of children with special needs. The firm’s continued sponsorship of “Riding for the Cause” reflects its commitment to the communities it serves.
“Seeing the turnout year after year reminds us why this matters,” Giese said. “Our team is grateful for the opportunity to support an event that makes a real difference for families in our community.”
For more information about Local 1403 and the Dade County Association of Firefighters Charities, including how to get involved, visit local1403.charity.
For information about Northstar Financial Planners, visit northstarplanners.com.
About Northstar Financial Planners
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, Fla., 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.
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.
The ChFC®, ChSNC®, and CLU® are the property of The American College, which reserves sole rights to their use, and are used by permission.
Media Contact:
Allen Giese, ChFC®, ChSNC®, CLU®
allen@northstarplanners.com
Northstar Financial Planners
1250 S. Pine Island Road, Suite 275
Plantation, FL 33324
Phone: (954) 693-0030