Latham thanks ‘The Gasp’ riders and donors
September 23, 2020
Our “Gasp” Team Latham had a fantastic day of biking-for-our-cause on Sunday! 2020 marked Latham Centers’ fifth year as a beneficiary charity for “The Gasp, Bike Boat and Bake.” Last week, over 75 riders took part in the 29th riding of “The Gasp” sponsored by the Barnstable Charitable Foundation. This annual fundraiser typically includes a 55-mile bike ride from Sandwich to Provincetown followed by a ferry ride aboard the Dolphin Fleet back to Sandwich. Riders celebrate with music, awards, and a traditional Cape Cod lobster bake complete with chowder, steamers, and corn on the cob.
This year, the event took place virtually – without the “Boat and Bake.” Riders were asked to complete the 55 miles over the course of eight days in support of their chosen beneficiary charity. “Because the ride was virtual this year, we were able to recruit participants who do not live locally. We were also able to encourage those who liked the idea of riding at home on a stationary bike or logging a few miles each day on the bike path rather than signing on to ride the whole thing in one day, complete with those relentless hills in Truro at the end of the route,” said Heather Kelsey, Director of Development.
On Sunday, September 20th, nine riders representing Team Latham participated in a “Mini-Gasp” from Nickerson State Park to Wellfleet and back, followed by a socially distant barbecue lunch outdoors at Latham’s Fire Museum property. Latham President Anne McManus shared, “I wanted to find a way to be responsible, but to still offer our team a chance to get out on the bike path and enjoy the beautiful day together. We all had a lot of fun and enjoyed some laughter, good food and company – and I don’t think that anyone missed the Truro hills.”
Team Latham included staff members Anne McManus, Heather Kelsey, and Dawn Dinnan (who teamed up with her daughter Carly); Latham friends Eri Takahashi, Mark Burgess, and Calvin Sutton; Latham Board Chair Chris Gillstrom Burgess; and Latham Board and family member Jo-Ellen Erickson. Jo-Ellen recruited her cousins Kevin Kelly (in New Jersey) and Jamie Middleton (in Utah) to participate virtually!
Special thanks to all of our riders and supporters, and to Terry Dinnan who graciously offered to serve as grill master for our post-ride barbecue. This year’s ride was a huge success and we are so grateful for the enthusiasm and flexibility of our team. Donations are still coming in – THANK YOU! All funds raised in this event will go to the capital campaign for the new Latham Community and Arts Center. Here is the link to support our riders.We hope to double our team size in The Gasp 2021 – it’s a fun day, a wonderful cause, and a great way to set a fitness goal. Hopefully, we will be back on the “official” The Gasp route, but the virtual edition was a lot of fun, too! For more information, please contact Heather Kelsey: hkelsey@lathamcenters.org
