GFNY locals represent their town and their local charity at GFNY. If you live along the course, support your neighbor’s fundraising effort and get out the door on May 19 to cheer them on. GFNY donates the Town Challenger’s entry fee to their cause.
NYC: Roni Selig
Roni has been a triathlete with Team Lipstick, The CNN and Time Warner teams for over ten years. She enjoys the spiritual, the physical and the unifying aspects of the sport.
Fundraising for: Challenged Athletes Foundation (NYC)
“All athletes deserve to stay in the game, even after they lose a limb or more.”
Fundraising page: click HERE
Fort Lee, NJ: Maxim Almenas
Maxim only started riding seriously in 2012. But at the end of the season he not only finished GFNY but also Ironman NYC. “The energy release formed by the thrust of my own power and the wind against my face brings back the adrenaline rush I experienced as a kid riding my bike.”
Fundraising for: Fort Lee teenager who had a heart transplantation
“His medical bills are very high. I raise money to offset his family’s burden and bring awareness to keeping hearts healthy through cycling.”
Fundraising page: click HERE
Blog: thehumantriumph.blogspot.com
Alpine, NJ: Chantal Shea
Chantal is a former professional runner. She won the San Diego International marathon, participated in the Olympic Marathon Trials and was ranked 4th in the nation for the 1/2 marathon with a time of 1:11. After the birth of her son John, she had numerous surgeries that kept her from running at the competitive level she had been at. She was told she would never run again after her last knee surgery in the fall of 2007. At this point, she decided to do triathlons. This lead her to last years Medio Fondo. She loved the camaraderie amongst cyclists and decided to take on the challenge to compete in the full Gran Fondo NY. It will be the longest she has ever cycled.
Fundraising for: Haworth Volunteer Ambulance Corps
“I have been a volunteer EMT for over 15 years. I am riding this race to raise awareness of being a volunteer EMT. We do not get paid for our time. We go thru extensive and ongoing certification to volunteer. The only way all of the towns in the small boroughs get money are through donations. We are there 24/7 in times of a medical emergency!”
Fundraising page: click HERE
Nyack, NY: Ann Breeswine
Ann is a triathlete since 1996 but by finishing GFNY 2012 she now considers herself a true cyclists. “What I love about cycling? Being outside, friendships, challenges, learning new skills, being part of my community. In other words: EVERYTHING!”
Fundraising for: Hi Tor Animal Care Center
“I am an animal lover and adopted a dog from Hi Tor a couple of years ago. The shelter is in great need of financial assistance due to major budget cuts.”
Fundraising page: click HERE
Haverstraw, NY: Nelson Diaz
Nelson has been riding and racing since he has been a kid. He loves the velocity, moving forward, and the culture of the sport.
Fundraising for: Garner Arts Center
“As a local artist of Rockland County it is important for the community to have a cultural establishment where artist can express themselves and families can come together and see local art. The Garner Arts Center also has school programs for students to come in and speak to the artist about their creations. Sometimes this is the only exposure these children may have to art and culture. In 2010 Garner Arts Center lost their main building and they have been fundraising to rebuild it.”
Fundraising page: click HERE
Tomkins Cove, NY: Dennis Dodrill
Dennis has been riding for four years and loves the simplicity and freedom that cycling offers: “Cycling very liberating and freeing for me. It’s almost like walking but FASTER and a whole lot more fun. I love the feeling of riding and the feeling of Freedom it gives me. The wind on my back and being able to just jump on the bike and ride at a moment’s notice.”
Fundraising for: Neighborhood Cruisers
“The Neighborhood Cruisers aids children and adults who are enduring financial and medical hardships. They are a group of car lovers who have something more powerful than their classic engines and muscle cars; their hearts. Founded in 2001, the Neighborhood Cruisers found a way to combine their love of cars with a sense of community involvement. Every Monday, throughout the Spring and Summer months, you can find the Neighborhood Cruisers at Gennaro’s; showing off their cars, rocking out to tunes from the fifties, and most importantly, raising funds to help sick children and their families pay off increasingly high medical bills.”
