Lisa Petrocelli
Lisa's Editorial
The second annual We Care Ride was held this past Sunday, May 23, at Birch Hill Catering in Schodack, New York. This ride was conceived last year as a result of four friends who had an unusual bond and a special compassion for one of the four (Belinda Shumway), who suffered the debilitating effects of Ulcerative Colitis disease. Dino Petrocelli, Belinda Shumway, Darlene Roberts, and Patrick Brisson set about organizing a ride to bring awareness to Crohn’s & Colitis. Last year’s event was a huge accomplishment, having begun the planning only four months prior to the event, but this year’s was even more successful (this time planning almost a year ahead of time), with over 400 bikes and almost 1,000 people attending. Half of the total amount raised will be shared with Hannah Cimo, a young woman who is currently in treatment for Crohn’s disease, and has already endured several surgeries. Before the bikes left to begin the ride, Hannah was introduced and thanked everyone for making her feel like a Queen for the day.
The weather was beautiful which made the two-hour round trip ride from Birch Hill to Jiminy Peak really nice, scenic, and a perfect prelude to the celebration that followed. Upon the bikers’ return, they were treated to a full buffet of hamburgers, chicken, pulled pork, hot dogs, pasta salads, and some drinks and desserts. The requested donation was $25 per person or $40 for driver & passenger together. Participants definitely got their money’s worth since in addition to all the wonderful food being served, the hard-rockin’ Steppin’ Out Band entertained the crowd all day. There were a few other surprises too, such as a strolling card shark, Jason Ladanye, members of the Albany Allstars Roller Derby team rolling around and selling raffle tickets, notorious local drummer, Rocky Petrocelli , jamming with the band for a few songs, and nationally-famous motorcycle builder, Dave Perewitz, who made the trip from Bridgewater, Massachusetts, to support this ride for Dino. There was also a bike show which was judged by Lee Sikes of Broadway Choppers, who also made some really cool trophies to award the winners.
There was a 50/50 raffle held and several auction items donated by various local businesses and individuals. The organizers of this event wish to thank each and everyone who attended for their support and a special thank you to the many, many volunteers who made this event such a major success. The entire day was just another testimony of the generous hearts of bikers and their friends and families. This event, so aptly named, has defined the true meaning of “We Care.”
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