For Immediate Release
Photo Available on Request
Contact:
Willow Ann Sirch
Communciations Director
The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp
(203) 772-0522 x23
willow.sirch@holeinthewallgang.org
Camp Challenge Ride Cycling Event Supports Seriously Ill Children
Event Raises more than $275,000 for Paul Newman’s Camp
NEW HAVEN, CONN., OCT 23, 2012 – The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp announced today that its fourth annual Camp Challenge Ride held on Saturday, September 8 raised more than $275,000 for seriously ill children attending the camp. The event was sponsored by AETNA, The Simon Konover Company, Poland Spring and NBC Connecticut Partners in a Caring Community. More than 385 cyclists of all ages participated, along with 200 volunteers.
“AETNA is very proud of our committed employee cyclists and volunteers that take on the physical challenge of training and riding to support this very special mission,” said Chris Montross, Head of Corporate Community Investments. “It has been inspiring to see such a vibrant community connect so strongly with the Camp.” Team AETNA’s 130 employee cyclists generated more than $60,000 of the overall total raised by the event.
The Simon Konover Corporation also provided critical support to the event, including a team of cyclists. “With the generous support of our strategic partners, colleagues, associates and friends, the 2012 Challenge Ride campaign was our most successful to date,” said James Wakim, President and Chief Operating Officer. “It is a privilege to continue the ongoing commitment to The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp demonstrated by the Konover and Coppa families over the last 25 years.”
The fourth annual Camp Challenge Ride featured a 62.5-mile Metric Century, 30- and 15-mile rides for adults and teens aged 14 and up and a Kid’s Ride for ages 4 and up. Riders were supported by SAG vehicles, a motorcycle support team and mobile bike-tech specialists. The ride concluded with a festival of music, food and entertainment, and offered riders and their guests a rare opportunity to visit the Camp and participate in Camp activities and tours.
“It’s inspiring to see so many new and returning members of our community taking action in the Camp Challenge Ride and supporting Camp’s mission,” said David MacNiven, Director of Team Hole in the Wall, The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp’s grassroots, fundraising program. “This was our biggest year yet and our thanks go out to the hundreds of riders who put their bodies on the line, our tireless volunteers and our visionary corporate partners who helped make it all possible.”
For more information about the Camp Challenge Ride, contact David MacNiven at 203-772-0522 (david.macniven@holeinthewallgang.org) or visit www.teamholeinthewall.org.
About The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp
Founded in 1988 by Paul Newman, The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp is a community dedicated to providing “a different kind of healing” to children and their families coping with cancer, sickle cell anemia and other serious illnesses. Through summer sessions and family weekend programs at the Camp in Ashford, Connecticut, and year-round outreach to hospitals and clinics throughout the Northeast, the Camp serves more than 20,000 children and family members annually. All services are free of charge.
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