By Sue Wambolt, Contributing Writer
Southborough – Cliff LaCoursiere, director of business development for Connecticut-based systems integrator SDG, will be parking his car and climbing on his bike in May to participate in AngelRide, a 135-mile bike ride to raise funds for the Angel Charitable Trust.
Angel Charitable Trust, a 501 (c) 3, is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization that presents annual athletic events such as AngelRide and AngelSwim. One hundred percent of the money raised by the riders goes directly to “The Hole in the Wall Gang” Camp's Hospital Outreach Program – ultimately, to help critically ill children.
“Personally,” LaCoursiere said, “the health and well being of children is the most important work that can be done.”
The full ride is a two-day ride from the Northwest corner of Connecticut through 85 miles of scenic countryside to The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp in Ashford, Conn. After staying the night and experiencing the magic of The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, the ride continues 50 miles to a celebratory finish in historic Mystic, Conn.. This is the only event that allows participants to stay the night at and experience The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp.
LaCoursiere, who is motivated by the desire to prevent the suffering of children, chose to participate in the AngelRide because he believes that, “the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp's Hospital Outreach Program is a good balance between clinical support and community support.”
An avid bike rider, LaCoursiere has ridden recreationally for over 20 years – clocking over 25,000 miles on his first pair of mountain bike shoes. He rides every day regardless of the weather. If it is icy, he rides with studded tires; if it is raining, he uses a bike with fenders; if the roads are clear, he uses a professional road bike. LaCoursiere said that he typically rides more than 5,500 miles per year.
LaCoursiere has never ridden for charity before, but he is considering also participating in the Pan Mass Challenge if he finds a team that's recruiting members. When he is not working or bike riding, he can often be found behind the lens of a camera. Following in his father's footsteps as an event photographer, LaCoursiere is a semi-pro photographer.
For now, LaCoursiere is riding with a mission: to raise money for a charity that, he said, supports the most amazing children. He is hoping to far surpass his goal of $1,000. To track his progress or to contribute, go to: http:// events.teamholeinthewall.org/ angelride2012/clifflacoursiere.
“Raising money for these children while doing something I love is a joy,” LaCoursiere said.
To find out more about this May bike event, visit: http://www.angelride.org/