High goals were set for this year’s Connecticut Challenge bike ride, and high goals were met…with flying colors! Once again riding as “Team Sotheby’s,” dedicated team members from our company came together under the fearless leadership of Southport brokerage manager Brad Kimmelman to participate in the 11th annual fund-raising bike ride known as the CT Challenge. The event is organized to support the Connecticut Challenge Center for Survivorship, an organization that provides assistance and resources for cancer survivors. 2015 marked our third year supporting the cause, where a new and impressive goal was set to have at least 25 riders participate, and raise more than $25,000.
The cycling event, which includes several routes for riders to choose from ranging from 10 to 100 miles, was held on July 24 and 25, 2015, with bike rides beginning from the Fairfield County Hunt Club in Westport, Conn. Each participating staff member and agent raised funds by riding together for the cause as well as by offering donations online.
Participating members of “Team Sotheby’s” for this year’s challenge included our President and CEO Paul Breunich, Chief Operating Officer Vin Socci, President of BLT Paul Kuehner, as well as several brokerage managers, agents and staff members. Last year, our firm had eight riders and raised $7,000. This year, we had 21 determined riders in addition to volunteers, and exceeded our monetary goal, raising a total of more than $28,000 and counting!
Proceeds from the ride fund survivorship programs as well as research in exercise, nutrition and community support to help cancer survivors, who typically need follow-up care for long after their treatment ends but often stop receiving support at that time. The Connecticut Challenge Center for Survivorship said that last year’s event raised funds to assist over 54,000 cancer survivors. During this year’s event, Giacomo Brancato, a 17-year-old Fairfield High School junior and two-sport standout athlete who was diagnosed with lymphoma, rode for the cause, epitomizing an image of positivity and unwavering resolve. Brancato is one of many individuals who utilizes the center’s support and encouragement to get through his treatment and stay strong.
After completing the route, all riders celebrated their triumph at the organization’s official Post-Ride Party, a festival in support of all survivors and everyone who rode for them. Food, activities and music performed by various live bands were present, with the Grammy award-winning band Blues Traveler providing a perfect end to a perfect day.
“As the captain of ‘Team Sotheby’s,’ I couldn’t be more proud of the outstanding outcome and outpouring of love for this year’s CT Challenge event,” said Kimmelman. “I set the bar high for all involved, and everyone willingly responded and with great enthusiasm and energy. Whether impacted on a deeply personally by cancer or not, each and every individual who attended were more than just present—they were invested in the cause and everything for which this wonderful organization stands. I thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for their generous support, which allowed us to not only beat our own challenge and reach far beyond our impressive new goal, but also contribute to a portion of the hope, strength and resources the Center provides to those affected members of our community in need of extra support.”
You can still donate to “Team Sotheby’s” CT Challenge efforts today! Be sure to visit our company’s team page here. Together, we can continue breaking records and changing lives.
