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
Photos available on request.
AngelRide Cyclists Ready to Roll for Paul Newman’s Hole in the Wall Gang Camp
New Haven, Conn. – April 12, 2012 – Registrations are rolling in for the ninth annual AngelRide, Connecticut’s only cross-state cycling event, which is taking place over the upcoming Memorial Day weekend to benefit The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp’s Hospital Outreach Program.
“As part of their incredible journey across the state of Connecticut, AngelRide cyclists visit The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp and get to see firsthand the oasis that our founder created to provide a different kind of healing to children with serious illnesses,” said David MacNiven, Director of Team Hole in the Wall. “How wonderful that they get to spend some time where Paul Newman’s dream became a reality and ride in support of a program that is now bringing the magic of Camp to hospitalized children at 20 sites throughout the Northeast – all free of charge.”
More than 250 cyclists will participate in the two-day ride, which will begin on Saturday, May 26. Cyclists making the 135-mile trek across the state from Norfolk to Mystic will be supported by mobile bike-tech specialists, a motorcycle support team and hundreds of additional volunteers. An additional 100 cyclists will join for the one-day ride on Sunday, May 27 with young adult riders (ages 11-15) joining midway through the day for the final 25 miles and Young AngelRiders (ages 7-10) participating in a six-mile ride through Mystic accompanied by an adult leader, motorcycle safety and police escort. All told, the ride goes through these Connecticut towns: Norfolk, Colebrook (Robertsville), Barkhamstead (Riverton), Hartland, Granby, Suffield, Windsor Locks, East Windsor, Ellington, Stafford, Willington, Ashford, Eastford, Chaplin, Hampton, Scotland, Canterbury, Plainfield, Griswold, North Stonington, Stonington, and Groton (Mystic).
Each adult AngelRider commits to raising funds for Team Hole in the Wall to support the Camp’s year-round Hospital Outreach Program, which brings 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: Poland Spring, Aetna and the Fusco Corporation. For more information about AngelRide, or to join as a rider or volunteer, see www.angelride.org.
About The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp
The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp was founded in 1988 by Paul Newman with one simple premise In mind, that every child, no matter their illness, could experience the transformational spirit and friendships that go hand in hand with Camp. With its camp in Ashford, Conn., and development offices in New Haven, Conn., the organization serves 20,000 children and family members throughout the year, with all services provided free of charge. The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp Hospital Outreach Program provides services to thousands of hospitalized children with cancer, sickle cell anemia and other serious illnesses throughout the Northeast. It is through the generosity of many friends that the programs of The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp are made possible. For more information, see www.holeinthewallgang.org/hospitaloutreach.
About Team Hole in the Wall
Team Hole in the Wall is a community of generous and compassionate individuals teaming up to provide a “different kind of healing” to children and families who are battling serious illness. Our members participate in athletic events or create and host events of their own while supporting the programs and mission of The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp and carrying the torch left by our founder Paul Newman. For more information, visit www.teamholeinthewall.org.
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