Hamptons, NY…
The American Heart Association will be holding its annual Heart Ride on May 18th-19th, 2012 in The Hamptons of Long Island, NY. This year’s goal is to raise $300,000 and have the participation of at least 150 riders. This unique cycling experience and major fundraiser will take cyclists through the heart of The Hamptons on a 27-mile, 59-mile or 100-mile bike ride. Cyclists will have access to experienced and knowledgeable coaches prior to the event, who will guide them and create a personalized training program to help each cyclist reach his/her goal. The funds raised from the Heart Ride are applied toward lifesaving research, medical and consumer education, as well as public advocacy. Fundraising levels start at $750 per cyclist. The event schedule begins with a Friday, May 18th evening reception and pre-ride dinner from 6-8 pm, the actual ride on Saturday, May 19th from 7 am – 3 pm, followed by a Saturday afternoon post-event celebration from 3 -5 pm. There will be exclusive Heart Ride team gear for each cyclist, as well as access to a personalized fundraising website and fundraising materials. For more information on how you can become a member of the 2012 Heart Ride team or a corporate sponsor for the event, visit: www.AmericanHeartRide.org or contact: Zack Blackburn, Senior Director, Heart Ride, 508.935.3962 or Zachary.Blackburn@heart.org To register online, go to: www.heartride2012.kintera.org
One local company that has made the Heart Ride a company-wide event is the Racanelli Construction Company, Inc. (Melville, NY, www.racanelliconstruction.com), a leading construction management, general contractor and design/build resource for commercial, industrial, retail, medical, pre-engineered and multi-family housing projects. Last year the Racanelli team contributed over $160,000 through its participation in the Heart Ride. The organization is a longstanding supporter of the American Heart Association. Racanelli President Nicholas H. Racanelli currently serves as the Heart Ride’s Affiliate Board Chair, Chairman of the Board, Northeast Region for The American Heart and Stroke Association and co-founder of the American Heart & Stroke Century Ride (a 100-mile bike ride.) He, along with other members of the Racanelli team, also completed the 100-mile ride in last year’s Heart Ride. The funds they raised helped the American Heart Association generate $250,000 from the 2011 Heart Ride.
Racanelli put out a challenge to Long Island. “I will personally host a diner for anyone who raises $5,000. We will call this the Nick Racanelli Circle of Friends. It will be an experience not to be missed,” he said.
Other teams that participated last year and will again in this year’s Heart Ride, include: Team Cycle Evolution, Team BNY Mellon, Team I.E. Cruisers, Team Mountain Goats, Not Your Mama’s Team, Team Cadence, Team McKenna, Team Pestana, Team Tour de Frenchie and the TR’s Boys.
About the American Heart Association
The mission of the American Heart Association (www.heart.org) is building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Heart disease and stroke are America’s No. 1 and No. 4 killers. Cardiovascular diseases claim more than 860,000 lives a year – one life every 37 seconds. That represents about two of every five deaths and more lives than the next five causes of death combined. Participating in the Heart Ride not only strengthens the heart of the cyclists through exercise, but also helps to support the organization’s vital mission.
