Page 6 - HFA_Dateline_2017_Q2_Summer

find themselves in unexpected financial distress and in need small way I could, was the right choice and is the right choice
of assistance. every time,” she said. “It was a win-win no matter what because
I got to do something meaningful with my husband during our
“Helping Hands is a fantastic program. As a former HFA board anniversary.”
member, I’ve heard many stories of how Helping Hands has
made a difference,” said Tommy Russomano of New Jersey, The National Ride in September is a 156-mile ride along
who participated in the Connecticut ride. “The opportunity to the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal from eastern West Virginia
support this worthwhile cause AND have a blast riding with a to Washington, DC. The Northern Ohio ride in October
great group was an easy decision.” comprises 50 miles along the Erie and Ohio Canal Towpath
from Independence to Akron.
New features for 2017
This year, consider becoming a rider and/or supporting riders
To make it easier for Gears for Good riders to participate in in your community. The success of the ride and riders is essen-
the Connecticut ride this year, there is now a one-day option. tial to the success of our Helping Hands program, so register
Riders can choose to ride one day with a minimum fundraising today! It’s fun with a purpose! n n
goal of only $100. The Connecticut ride is a 70-mile total ride
along the scenic Farmington Heritage and Farmington River
Trails. With the new one-day option, riders can choose the 40-
mile Saturday leg or the 30-mile Sunday leg. Of course, the full,
two-day option for the Connecticut ride is also still available.
“I was a little skeptical when I saw the number of miles that
we would have to commit to,” said Jacqueline Moore of Mas-
sachusetts. “But I found I really enjoyed the experience and I
plan to participate from now on.” Daniel Leonard of Massachu-
setts convinced his hesitant wife, Lorena, to participate in one
of the rides, for their seventh wedding anniversary. The two
normally spend their anniversary weekend off on their own,
but they found they enjoyed the ride experience together, de-
spite Lorena’s initial reluctance. “It was clear to me that doing
something to help individuals with hemophilia, in whatever

6 Dateline Federation | Summer 2017