June 14, 2013
On Saturday, June 1, nearly 100 bicyclists comprised of staff, parents, family and friends of the Henry Viscardi School and The Viscardi Center in Albertson, NY, participated in the annual Ride to Montauk, a cycle tour coordinated by Bicycle Shows U.S., raising awareness and critical funds for programs and services provided to children and adults with disabilities. This year, Team Viscardi has raised $46,000 to date and $128,500 through its participation in the event over the past three years. View photo gallery.
Team Viscardi, participating for its third straight year, was the second largest team amongst groups participating in the Ride to Montauk. Embarking from four locations depending on how far they chose to ride — East Hampton (30 miles), Mastic-Shirley (73 miles), Babylon (108 miles) and Madison Square Garden (151 miles) — all riders finished at Montauk by late afternoon.
Since January, Joe Slaninka, coordinator of Team Viscardi, has spent countless hours organizing the team’s participation. He noted, “A lot of people trained hard to do something special. I loved the camaraderie…the support we had was incredible.”
Jessica Biondo, a health and physical education teacher at the Henry Viscardi School at The Viscardi Center who participated for her third time, said, “The reason I do it is for the kids here,” noting students were inquiring about the ride weeks in advance.
Mark Turan, executive associate at The Viscardi Center and a former student of the Henry Viscardi School, stated, “you give it the extra push because of why you’re riding,” and that he felt “a feeling of accomplishment” in taking part.
On ride day, Team Viscardi was supported by a team of some 40 volunteers made up of family, friends, and co-workers. The volunteers staffed stations along the route providing riders with water, refreshments, roadside assistance and extra gear.
Donations are still being accepted. For further information or to make a donation, please visit: www.support.viscardicenter.org/teamviscardi. If you would like to join Team Viscardi for next year’s Ride to Montauk, please contact Joe Slaninka at 516-368-2271 or jslaninka@henryviscardischool.org.
About The Viscardi Center: Founded by Dr. Henry Viscardi, Jr., who served as disability advisor to eight U.S. presidents and became one of the world’s leading advocates, The Viscardi Center educates, employs and empowers children and adults with disabilities. It provides Pre-K through High School education, school-to-work transition services, vocational training, career counseling and placement, assistive technology and workforce diversification assistance to children, adolescents, and adults with disabilities and businesses. A global leader, it employs 300+ professionals, including experts in education, human resources and technology.