ASF Staff Bikes 50 Miles To Raise Money For Organization

WASSAIC, N.Y. – The Adaptive Sports Foundation’s full-time staff raised over $11,000 for their organization this past Sunday by cycling 50 miles along the Harlem Valley Rail Trail.

Many donors set up an “Anython” through the ASF’s website, where donors can take any activity and turn it into a fundraiser for ASF. The deal is to sign up on the ASF website, make a goal (elevation hiked, miles walked, etc.), create a fundraising page, share it with friends and family and get moving. 

The Adaptive Sports Foundation’s full-time staff decided to make their own Anython with its goal being to travel 50 miles on a bicycle as a group. Six staff members had the opportunity to participate, choosing six ASF participants and students to be their team captain. Executive Director John Iannelli teamed up with Farryl Fishman, Race Coordinator and Seasonal Program Manager Russ Funk’s captain was Zach Elder, Program Manager Tony Vasile chose Charlie Kleiman, Finance Manager Joanne Grunenthal represented Jeffrey Resnick, Associate Development Director Kiera McMullan partnered with Anthony Fenimore and Fundraising Events and Social Media Coordinator James Mitchell teamed up with Jayden Weinberg. 

The outing took place on Sunday, October 16. Grunenthal did her ride in the hot Florida sun, while the rest of the staff met at the Wassaic Metro North Station in Dutchess County to ride the Harlem Valley Rail Trail. The trail goes through little towns, farms and marshlands, winding north through the autumn foliage to Orphan Farm Road near Copake Falls, a total of 23.5 miles. 

“John and I started talking about doing a fundraising bike ride just over a month ago as a ‘what if’ sort of idea,” Vasile explained. “To see that ‘what if’ come to fruition was so exciting for me.”

ASF volunteer Mike Doyle came along for the ride, providing necessary supplements that gave the riders energy and hydration, while ASF office member Cindy Francis drove the truck, making sure the riders had everything they needed all while taking photos and videos. Morgan Bitton, Iannelli’s wife and avid cyclist, joined in on the fun as well.  

After reaching the end of the trail, the riders turned back and rode a mile south to Copake Falls’ Depot Deli for lunch. After the intermission, the group rode back up to Orphan Farm Road to make up the extra two miles needed to get back on pace for the 50-mile goal. 

Some riders struggled more than others, but all who participated finished the 50-mile trek. Not only did the staff reach its distance goal, but it also reached its fundraising goal as well. As a group, the goal was to raise $10,000, with all proceeds going to the ASF. On the day of the ride, the total amount raised was over $11,000. 

“We rode as a unit, ate together, blocked wind for each other, and finished our goal of riding 50 miles, only to find out by the end of the ride that we beat our fundraising goal by over $1,000,” Vasile said. “It doesn’t get much better than that.” 

The ASF staff would like to thank all who supported and donated to this endeavor. The Adaptive Sports Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides profound and life-changing experiences for children and adults with physical disabilities, cognitive disabilities and chronic illnesses through outdoor physical activity, education, support and community.