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Riders brave the elements in Bike Challenge! EverythingWestport.com Sunday,
September 28, 2008 View the
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Last
year’s Bike Challenge had over 100 riders and raised more than $30,000 for
the Hudner Encology
Center. But not this year, not with hurricane Kyle. “We had 100 riders pre-registered this
year,’ Medeiros said. “Usually we pick up quite a few walk-ons the day of the
event. That didn’t happen this year.”
80 riders did brave the weather, however, to complete one of three
circuits giving testament to the courage and passion of those who support the
Saint Anne’s cancer treatment program. About 25 percent of the bicyclists
undertook the 50-mile challenge. The
persistent rain didn’t seem to dampen any spirits. Tim Smith and Missy Roach
(pictured left), both from Tiverton, planned to participate no matter what
the conditions. “No way were we going to miss this event,” Roach said. That
seemed to be the strength of conviction of all the riders who supported the
Friends of Saint Anne’s Hospital Bike Challenge that raised
much needed funding to support the Visit the Friends
of Saint Anne’s web site. Riders
who collected more than $100 in donations received a Saint Anne’s Bike Challenge
long sleeve T-Shirt. As an added bonus, the top fundraiser also received a
gift card to their favorite cycle shop. All riders received a free “swag bag”
full of goodies! Joe
Ciccolo, the new Saint Anne’s Hospital president as
of October 1, was there to greet the riders, and expressed his gratitude for
their valuable and much appreciated support. “Saint Anne’s Hospital is
thankful for these fundraisers and the hard work of the volunteers who
conduct them,” he said.
From left to right: (1) Joe Ciccolo, the new Saint Anne’s Hospital president; (2) Carol Verrochi amidst a flurry of registration activity; (3) Jim LeBelle of Village Bicycle going over safety precautions with Sue Medeiros of
Saint Anne’s looking on; and (4) the collections and tabulation table. The
truth of the matter is that faith-based charities and community volunteer
groups account for a sizable chunk of donated capital to support important
causes like the Hudner Oncology Center. This liaison
between recipient organizations and community initiatives allows grassroots
organizations to address the critical needs in their communities, and make a
unique impact in the lives of society’s most vulnerable citizens. “We’re
just volunteering for a good cause”, Sam Ferreria
of Fall River said as he flipped a hamburger. Some
door prizes were raffled off including a great gift basket from Divine Tranquility Salon and Spa of
Tiverton, and a Stanley Tool Value Pack case donated by an anonymous
supporter who won it at a recent Saint Anne’s fundraiser! The
bike routes traversed the beautiful farming communities of South Dartmouth,
Westport, and Little Compton, and there were vistas and views around every
turn despite the best efforts of Hurricane Kyle. It didn’t rain the entire
time, and at moments the ride was quite pleasant. Riders swept by the rushing
waters of a swollen Apponaganset River, and past Davol’s
Country Store into the Russells Mills Village historic district.
Horseneck Road and East Beach in Westport provided a panorama of coastal
landscapes, farms, stone walls and ocean views to brighten soggy spirits.
Following
the Bike Challenge, a reception was held the Holy Ghost Grounds which
included a cookout, acoustic guitars and eclectic music by the Spindrifts,
and free chiropractic analysis by Drs. Ellen McNally and Camilla Moore of
Westport Chiropractic. A slight break in the weather capped off a successful
day for the fundraiser, and much recognition must be given to the event
organizers and riders who braved the elements for a noble cause. Saint Anne’s
police kept a watchful eye over the wellbeing of the riders on the road,
bringing a safe conclusion to the day’s activities.
Left to right: (1) Dr. Ellen McNally of Westport Chiropractic; (2) The
Spindrifts’ Kat Cordeiro (left), Bonny Gifford, and Craig Gifford; (3) Wayne
Swenson (left) and Sam Ferreria flippin’
burgers; (4) volunteer Mary Weaver of Portsmouth, RI with raffle baskets; and
(5) Saint Anne’s policeman Bud Prater. Read
article about last year’s event. View
photos from last year’s event. 8-Mile: This route will
take you through scenic Westport/Dartmouth via Division, Hix
Bridge, and Horseneck Roads in a loop back to the Horseneck Holy Ghost
Society Grounds. 25-Mile: In addition to
the sites of the 8 Mile route, this route will take you along the Slocums River, as well as across Little River in
Dartmouth to the Round Hill area returning through Dartmouth and along the
Westport River via Horseneck Road. 50-Mile: In addition to
the sites of the 25 Mile route, this route will also bring you along sites
such as Cockeast Pond, Westport Harbor, Devol Pond, and Horseneck Beach, crossing over the
Westport River via Hix Bridge. This year's Bike Challenge
had over 80 riders participate under less than perfect weather conditions,
and more than $13,000 was presented Sunday for the - - - - - - End - - - - - - Community Events
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