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
AngelRide Brings the Joy of Paul Newman’s Camp to Hospitalized Children
Connecticut’s only cross-state bicycling event is geared for all ages and riding abilities
New Haven, Connecticut – May 3, 2011 – There’s still time for cyclists to register for AngelRide powered by Team Hole in the Wall, the cross-Connecticut cycling event that supports seriously ill hospitalized children. More than 250 cyclists will participate in AngelRide this Memorial Day weekend on Saturday, May 28 and Sunday, May 29. All proceeds benefit The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp Hospital Outreach Program that brings hope and healing to children with serious illnesses in Connecticut hospitals and other hospitals across the northeast.
“It’s an incredible day for everyone involved,” said Ken Alberti, Director of Team Hole in the Wall and an AngelRide cyclist himself. “For the riders, there is a real thrill that comes from challenging yourself while knowing that you are making the Camp's Hospital Outreach Program possible.”
Now in its eighth year, AngelRide is the only cross-state cycling event in Connecticut. Riders make the two-day, 135-mile trek across the state supported by mobile bike-tech specialists, a motorcycle support team and hundreds of additional volunteers.
Day One of AngelRide takes riders through 85 miles of scenic countryside from Norfolk to The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp’s world-renowned camping facility for seriously ill children in Ashford, Connecticut. On Saturday night, AngelRide cyclists enjoy an overnight stay at the Camp.
On Day Two, the ride proceeds 50 miles to a celebratory finish in historic Mystic. Young adult riders join adult riding companions midway between Ashford and Mystic and younger children bring up the rear after riding a six-mile portion of the ride. Last year young adults and children raised $30,000 to help other children with serious illnesses.
Each adult AngelRider commits to raising funds that sponsor the Camp’s year-round Hospital Outreach Program, bringing the joy and empowerment of Camp to the bedsides of seriously ill children in hospitals throughout the northeast. The program seeks to improve the quality of life for hospitalized youngsters through companionship and activities including arts, crafts and interactive games. AngelRide sponsors include the Fusco Corporation, Mohegan Sun, Poland Spring and Newman's Own, Inc. AngelRide has been a proud supporter of The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp since 2004. For more information, see www.angelride.org.
About The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp Hospital Outreach Program
The Hospital Outreach Program brings the hopeful, playful spirit of The Hole In The Wall Gang Camp to children and families in the hospital setting. By offering unique, creative and developmentally appropriate activities and interactions, our trained staff help to restore joy and laughter in a time often laden with fear, stress and uncertainty. Staff members work collaboratively with hospital staff to enhance, augment or support existing programs focused on improving the quality of life during treatment. Consistent with other Camp programs, it is available to hospitals and families free of charge. For more information, see http://www.holeinthewallgang.org/hospitaloutreach.
About Team Hole in the Wall
Team Hole in the Wall is the athletic fundraising program of The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp that partners athletes with the mission of Hole in the Wall Camps. By challenging themselves in cycling events like AngelRide, marathons, triathlons, and other athletic events, Team Hole in the Wall participants enable seriously ill children to experience the magic and empowerment of The Hole in the Wall Camp and its sister camps worldwide. For more information, see www.teamholeinthewall.org.
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