Cyclists from across the state pedaled a combined 5,150 miles up and over the beautiful, rolling hills of Litchfield County on Saturday, June 15, 2013, enjoying the sunny weather and raising over $80,000 to help transform the lives of children and families in need.
The Village Ride, presented by Aetna and held at Ski Sundown in New Hartford, raises funds for The Village for Families & Children. Each year, the Village serves more than 8,000 vulnerable children from the Greater Hartford region, many of whom have experienced abuse, neglect or other type of trauma. To help the children heal and to strengthen their family's ability to support their child's healthy growth and development, the Village provides a broad spectrum of behavioral health treatment, foster care and adoption, and family support services.
"It was truly a special day," said Galo Rodriquez, president and CEO of the Village, who also rode on Saturday. "Riders as young as 13 and as mature as 73 took part in the ride. And afterward, families enjoyed an afternoon of games, music and each other's company."
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"It was a heartwarming outpouring of love and support for the children and families served by the Village, especially our fatherhood program," Dr. Rodriguez said. "We are so grateful for the tremendous support from our sponsors, community members, local media, riders and volunteers."
Riders chose from four courses of varying challenge levels (100k, 40 mile, 20 mile and 10 mile) along the picturesque hills of Litchfield County and Greater Hartford. Following the ride, children and families enjoyed the Family Fest, including live music, bounce houses and slides, Touch-a-Truck, tethered hot air balloon rides, and a snow/rail jam.
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Refreshments were provided by Thomas Hooker Brewery, Whole Foods and Ski Sundown.
About the Village:
For more than 200 years, the Village for Families and Children has been working to build a community of strong, healthy families who protect and nurture children. We fulfill this mission by providing a full range of children's behavioral health treatment, foster care and adoption, and community support services for children and their families in the Greater Hartford region. For more information, visit www.villageforchildren.org or call 860-236-4511.
Photos from The Village Ride and Family Fest can be found at: http://flic.kr/s/aHsjGctMtf.
