WESTFIELD-For several hearty souls on Monday night, just as the sun was setting and the trees were backlit with the colors of fall, stationary cycling bikes were lined up outside of the YMCA of Greater Westfield as part of a weekly class offered on Monday nights.
The riders were also eager to talk about their participation in the upcoming fourth annual Cycle For A Cause cycle-a-thon slated Nov. 5 from 8 a.m. to noon at the YMCA on Court Street.
Greg Kallfa will be among those participating in the YMCA Cycle For A Cause cycle-a-thon.
For four hours, the event will have more than 20 teams, comprised of over 100 riders on stationary bikes, cycling to make a difference in the lives of others, according to Andrea Allard, CEO.
“In 2015 more than $23,000 was raised,” said Allard. “Funds raised from this event support the YMCA’s Annual Campaign. By supporting this campaign, you help guarantee that everyone – regardless of their circumstances or ability to pay – can benefit from the YMCA’s programs.”
The theme, “We’re More Than A Gym, We’re A Cause,” ensures that funds raised through the event benefits a host of programs including early childhood education, before and after-school care, summer camp, youth sports, health and wellness activities for members of all ages, swim lessons, and teen leadership programs.
Fitness director Cindy Agan is coordinating the logistics for the event and notes that the YMCA also launched a uniquely funded program, LiveStrong at the YMCA, earlier this year. The free, 12-week exercise program is open to any adult cancer survivor who is currently in or completed treatment and is physically deconditioned. This past May, 10 women graduated from the program which was developed by Stanford University.
Agan noted that LiveStrong has proven to help survivors regain strength, overcome fatigue, and enhance functional ability to do everyday tasks.
Because these types of programs are important to the community, Greg Kallfa will be among the riders participating Nov. 5 and encourages area residents to join him.
“Your motion can assist others,” said Kallfa, as he strode effortlessly on his cycling bike, noting that the YMCA provides the physical and mental exercises we all need to stay fit – for body, mind and spirit.
“I worked at City Hall for years and now realize what I missed not visiting the YMCA,” said Kallfa. “After retiring, I noticed something was missing which is when I discovered all of the programs and positive attitudes of the good people at the YMCA.”
Kallfa added that once he was hooked, he made a commitment to participate in events like the cycle-a-thon which gives back to the community.
“It’s the little things in life that matter and that includes participating in programs like this event which also makes you feel good,” said Kallfa.
Nicole Antico-Richter echoed those sentiments. Her daughter, Alexa Richter, 13, and Ayden Richter, 10, will be joining her on a team.
Alexa Richter, Nicole Antico-Richter, Diana DelMonte, Kathy Wallis-McCann and Jean Rosenblum were cycling Monday night in preparation for the YMCA’s Nov. 5 fundraiser.
“Supporting the cycle-a-thon is important because it’s for a great cause which includes funding scholarships so people can participate in YMCA programs,” said Antico-Richter. “I know how important programs in particular like Camp Shepard are because my kids can’t wait for summer to start and enjoy camp.”
Alexa Richter, whose YMCA involvement includes the Leadership Club and The Wave swim team, said she will ride to raise funds so others will also have opportunities “to stay active and lead a healthy lifestyle.”
Also cycling on Monday night was Diana DelMonte, a YMCA cycling instructor, who will be assisting Agan that day to raise funds, along with instructor Frank Mochak.
“We encourage everyone to get involved because the cycle-a-thon is a great community event,” said DelMonte.
Avid YMCA members Kathy Wallis-McCann and her husband Dr. James McCann will also be participating in the cycle-a-thon because it’s a “wonderful benefit” that helps others who cannot afford YMCA programs.
“We support the YMCA and fundraisers like this that fund the vast array of programs offered and especially the LiveStrong program,” said Wallis-McCann.
Jean Rosenblum, a retired YMCA instructor, concurred.
“The community is important to the YMCA, and having seen firsthand how scholarships can help others, I want to support the health and fitness of the community,” said Rosenblum.
For more information on the cycle-a-thon, which can include either sponsoring a team, or signing up to ride as a member of a team, call Agan at (413) 568-8631, ext. 323. Contributions are tax-deductible. Each stationary bike at the YMCA is a “team bike,” raising a minimum of $500 per bike.
“Not all team members have to ride the day of the event,” said Agan. “You can campaign and raise donations for your team. If you are riding as a team, the four-hour ride can be divided amongst team members in any time slots.”
All teams must be registered by Oct. 29. Visit www.westfieldymca.org for more details and a pledge form.
Allard also thanked the cycle-a-thon’s presenting sponsors – Advance Manufacturing and Westfield Gas & Electric – for their support.
“The three outcomes that are our top priority for our members and program participants are having a sense of belonging, a feeling of accomplishment, and that they make at least one new friend,” said Allard. “Our programs are designed to meet the needs of all members of our community, all ages, ability and income levels.”
