Then I thought back to 1998 when I did the “Race Across America” with fellow KRide founder Steve Stark. We were part of Team Jimmy and we raised $50,000 for the Jimmy Fund. Much of that came from our sponsors: businesses right here in Western MA, our home. I remember the day we put our sponsor logos on the chase vehicle. I thought, “I’ll never see THIS again.” On our driver’s side door – a Coors beer logo, due to the generosity of good friend and fellow RAAM rider Tom Burke. On the passenger door – a Budweiser logo, thanks to the generosity of good friend and fierce warrior in the cancer fight Jim Sadowski, of Williams Distributing.

Rivals Budweiser and Coors both sponsoring us, different doors but the same vehicle, all headed down the road in the same direction in the fight against cancer. I remember thinking, “I’ll never see this again.” But I was wrong.

When Kim and I found ourselves unemployed, one of the first phone calls I made was to Craig Swimm, Market Manager of one-time rival WMAS. I didn’t call to ask for a job but rather to ask for his help in Katelynn’s Ride. Without hesitation Craig said, “Yes, whatever you need.” Then it got better. Craig said he’d check to see if Rock 102 would also like to be involved. The answer? A resounding “Yes!”

So there you have it, one door closes and two doors open. Two rivals coming together once again right here in Western MA to help children beat cancer. Because together we CAN make a difference.

Dan

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KRIDE 12. Event Overview 1

KRIDE 12. Save the Date1

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Voting is quick and easy (you only need to cast a vote in 10 categories for your ballot to be counted). Simply go to:http://www.valleyadvocate.com/ballot/index.cfm?pid=58

Ballots must be submitted online by noon on Wednesday, February 8. Winners of the 2012 Best of the Valley Readers’ poll will be announced in the April 19th issue.

Thank you…and remember, registration opens March 1st!!!

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Saturday, March 3, 2012

The Danny Turgeon Memorial Hockey Challenge has partnered with Katelynn’s Ride to benefit Baystate Regional Cancer Programs Pediatric Oncology and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through its Jimmy Fund! On Saturday, March 3 the Shields of Hope team captains and tournament organizers, Francois Turgeon, Mike Allard and Allan Shadel, want to do more than just challenge local teams on the ice. Their goal is to challenge members of our community to fight for a cure!

Adult hockey teams throughout Western MA will join together for an afternoon tournament held at the William J. Lossone Hockey Rink located on the campus of The Williston Northampton School in Easthampton. The third annual tournament, named in memory of Turgeon’s brother, will feature a round robin style competition comprised of four teams each of whom are hoping to raise awareness and $15,000 for cancer research and treatment.

The Danny Turgeon Memorial Hockey Challenge is open to the public with an admission price of $4.00 for adults and $2.00 for children. There will be food, beverages and an opportunity to win fantastic prizes.  Donations will be accepted at the Memorial, through the tournament website at shieldsofhope.com or by mail. Checks should be made payable to “KRide, Inc.” and may be sent to Katelynn’s Ride, PO Box 755, Springfield, MA 01101-0755.

About Katelynn’s Ride

Katelynn’s Ride was founded in 2001 after 11-year-old Katelynn Battista, of West Springfield, lost her life to cancer. Each year, Katelynn’s family and friends join area cyclists and volunteers as together they make a difference. The ride offers 10-, 25- 50- and 100- mile routes with a post-ride celebration for the whole family. Participants are encouraged to register early, as slots are limited. The 2012 Katelynn’s Ride will be held Sunday, June 3 at Hampshire College in Amherst, MA. Katelynn’s Ride, Inc. is a 501c3 corporation.

For more information about Katelynn’s Ride or to register, visit kride.org, or call (413) 303-9233.

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