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A good cause and a good time: Last Mile Ride
raises $23,000 for Gifford hospice program A good cause and a good time: Last Mile Ride
raises $23,000 for Gifford hospice program
2008 Last Mile Ride raises $23,000
2008 Quick Links Things to do while you're here NEW: See photos Read one Garden Room patient's story of life and loss. Cheer on the riders! See the 2008 route map >> |
RANDOLPH – Motorcycle riders came from as far away as Colorado on Saturday to support Gifford Medical Center’s end-of-life care program by participating in a record-setting third annual Last Mile Ride.
The charity motorcycle ride attracted 159 riders and raised about $23,000 for the Randolph hospital’s hospice program, best known for its Garden Room for dying patients. Since it’s start in 2006, the ride has grown significantly. The first ride brought in $7,000, and the 2007 ride raised $15,000 for patient services not covered by insurance, like massages for pain management, and staff education and training.
“The amount of riders who turn out, the money they raise and time they invest into this event and supporting end-of-life care at Gifford are remarkable,” said Ashley Lincoln, Gifford Development and Marketing Department director and ride organizer. “After the ride, I have the privilege of announcing how many riders have turned out and how much money they raised. The roar I hear from the crowd when those numbers are read, and the amazing stories I hear about experiences here at Gifford, make every ounce of effort that goes into this event worth it 10 times over.”
On Saturday, riders rode in memory of friends and loved ones, to raise money for a cause near to their hearts, and to see fellow riders and 100 miles of beautiful
Vermont countryside.
Motorcyclist Dede Tracy of Randolph said she looks
Please join us in thanking our generous sponsors: Lucky's Motorsports Chittenden Bank Connor Contracting E-Management Associates Mascoma Savings Bank Northfield Savings Bank U.S. Food Service Victory Capital Wilkins Harley-Davidson Acadia Benefits Fred C. Church Insurance Magee Office Plus Randolph National Bank Spencer Group Allan Vending Services Century 21 Hannaford |
forward to the ride all year long.
“I thought it was great. It’s exciting to see it grow, with people and financially,” said Tracy, for whom the ride took on special meaning this year. Friend Janell Fresolo Renner of Brookfield died in Gifford’s Garden Room.
“It was very fun,” said Tracy, tearing up. But, “it was definitely my memory of Janell that I was riding for. So it was emotional. It’s nice to do it because I know how much that room means to families who to use it.”
“Every year I get weepy when I ride past people with the ‘thank you’ signs. I saw a couple people who gave me pledges on the side of the road (in their cars) beeping,” she added, marveling at the support.
This year’s ride was led by Orange County Sheriff Bill Bohnyak, who volunteered his time for the second year in a row. Riders traveled a spectator-lined route through Randolph, Bethel, Rochester, Tunbridge, Chelsea, Washington, Barre, Williamstown and Northfield, ending back at the hospital in Randolph, where a barbecue awaited, band Hillary and the Party Crashers played and massage therapists Terry Heath and Emily Harvey from Integrative Health gave out free massages.
“I haven’t had so much fun in months,” said Gifford family and palliative care physician Dr. Jonna Goulding, who volunteered on Saturday and rode with husband and fellow family physician Dr. Marcus Coxon.
It took a large team of volunteers to put on Saturday’s ride, including many Gifford staff. One group of volunteers impressed Goulding the most, however. For the third year, members of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association led by chapter commander Charlie Amico of Bethel provided road guard services. “Here they’ve given so much, and, yet, here they are giving even more to a special cause at Gifford,” said Goulding, who serves on the hospital’s Advanced Illness Care Team.
Area police departments also helped riders safely pass through intersections. Among those helping were Officer Tom Simpson in Randolph, the Northfield Police Department and Windsor County Sheriff’s Department. Vermont and New Hampshire motorcycle dealerships gave prizes to be awarded to top riders.
This year’s top fund-raiser was again Crystal Waters of Fairlee, who rode in memory of her boyfriend’s late father, Charles “Shod” McCullough, collected more than $1,700 for the cause and won the first prize, a $300 gift certificate to Lucky’s Motor Sports of Royalton.
Lucky’s was the main sponsor of the ride. Many area businesses also generously supported the cause, including Chittenden Bank, Connor Contracting, E-Management Associates, Mascoma Savings Bank, Northfield Savings Bank, U.S. Food Service, Victory Capital, Wilkins Harley-Davidson, Acadia Benefits, Fred C. Church Insurance, Magee Office Plus, Randolph National Bank, Spencer Group, Allan Vending Services, Century 21 and Hannaford supermarket.
Sharon Dimmick is a part owner of Lucky’s and serves on the hospital’s volunteer Board of Trustees.
“I thought it was an excellent ride. We had some people stop in after the ride (at Lucky’s). They felt really good because the doctors talked to them and thanked them, and the board members talked to them and thanked them. They said of all the rides they had been on they really enjoyed this ride,” said Dimmick, who was one of those board members in attendance Saturday talking to riders.
Fellow Trustee Jack Cowdrey of Randolph rode in the “chase” truck, prepared to assist with any bikes that broke down.
“I thought the ride went wonderful. The momentum was very good. Those road guards were incredible. We never stopped. We just rode right through every intersection,” Cowdrey said.
He was also impressed in the ride’s growth in three short years. “It is just such a wonderful thing to see it grow like that.” And he is anticipating future growth.
“I talked to two people today who rode it for the first time, and they said they’d be back next year.”
A novice rider, James Schultz of Randolph was one of those first time participants.
“It was terrific. I was really surprised but just how smooth everything was. The ride was really great. The services were great, and the food was great. I enjoyed every aspect of it,” said Schultz, “and I can’t wait to do it again in years to come.”
The ride is an annual event. Next year’s ride will again be held on the third Saturday in August, which is Aug. 15, 2009.