Media Contact:
Willow Ann Sirch
Communciations Director
The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp
(203) 772-0522 (w)
(203) 285-0050 (c)
willow.sirch@holeinthewallgang.org
Cyclists Ride for Paul Newman’s Hole in the Wall Gang Camp
All proceeds benefit children with serious illnesses
New Haven, Connecticut – August 2, 2011 – When he rides out the gate at The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp for the Camp Challenge Ride on Saturday, September 10, Rick Schaller will be thinking about more than the route conditions. He will be remembering the children with cancer, sickle cell anemia and other serious illnesses that he spent time with this past summer as a volunteer cabin counselor. “I will not soon forget the joy on the faces of those eight boys in my cabin all facing the challenges of serious illness,” said Schaller, an East Hampton, Connecticut resident. “Camp gives them the chance to just be kids for the week. To have the children tell you that this week at Camp changes their whole year is something that stays deep within you, and makes any hill or cycling challenge easy to take on.”
Sponsored by Team Hole in the Wall, the Camp Challenge Ride raises money to send seriously ill children for an empowering experience at The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, and supports the Camp’s year-round programming, including its Hospital Outreach Program that brings the joy of Camp to the bedsides of children with life-threatening illnesses across the Northeast. All of the Camp’s services are free of charge to campers and their families – thanks to Camp’s generous donors and fundraising events like the Camp Challenge Ride.
“Each Camp Challenge cyclist has a personal and powerful story about why he or she participates in the Camp Challenge Ride,” said Jimmy Canton, Hole in the Wall Gang Camp Chief Executive Officer. “Some ride to support a family member, or in memory of a loved one, while others ride for the sheer joy of supporting children in need.”
Riders can still register for this event, now in its third year, which offers 15-mile, 30-mile and Metric Century (100K, 62.5-mile) route options that start and end at the Camp in Ashford, Connecticut, as well as a Kid's Ride, offered for the first time this year, for ages four and up. Riders receive full support throughout the route by SAG vehicles, a motorcycle support team, mobile bike-tech specialists, rest stops and hundreds of additional volunteers. More than 300 riders are expected to participate. The ride concludes with a festival of music, food and entertainment and is a rare opportunity for cyclists and their guests to visit the Camp and participate in Camp activities and tours. Participants register for the event online at www.teamholeinthewall.org/RideInspired.
Riders 16 years of age and up commit to raising a minimum of $250. Those under age 16 commit to a minimum of $100. 100% of funds raised benefit The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp. Training rides will take place throughout the remainder of the summer. Camp Challenge Ride sponsors include AETNA, The Simon Konover Company, Poland Spring, NBC Connecticut and Newman’s Own, Inc.
The Camp Challenge Ride supporting The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp is part of a national cycling series with additional rides taking place simultaneously at four other Hole in the Wall Camps – Camp Boggy Creek in Eustis, Florida; Double H Ranch in Lake Luzerne, New York; The Painted Turtle in Lake Hughes, California; and Victory Junction in Randleman, North Carolina
About The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp
Founded in 1988 by Paul Newman, The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp is a nonprofit, year-round center serving 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 will serve more than 17,500 children in 2011. All services are provided free of charge.
About Team Hole in the Wall
Team Hole in the Wall is a grassroots, fundraising program in support of The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp. Our members participate in marathons, cycling events and other athletic challenges, or create and host events of their own to support Camp’s mission and provide children with an empowering Camp experience that promotes joy, builds courage and instills hope. For more information, visit www.teamholeinthewall.org.
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