Riders wanted to help Latham’s Last Gasp Team reach goal of $15K

Latham Centers is a beneficiary charity for Cape Cod Charitable FunRaisers’ Last Gasp Bike, Boat and Bake event again this year, and we’re looking for riders. This fundraising event on Sunday, September 16th incorporates a 62-mile bike ride, an hour-long Cape Cod Bay boat cruise, and a traditional Cape Cod clambake. Two of our staffers have signed up for the challenge, and we invite other staff and community members to join Team Latham. Heather Kelsey, Director of Development, and Dawn Dinnan, Director of Communications, have served as Last Gasp volunteers and decided this is the year to ride.

Last Gasp participants don’t have to be experienced cyclists; other first-timers are encouraged to participate. “I am not a cyclist,” Heather said. “Last year I considered riding, but opted to volunteer as a parking attendant at the post-ride clambake. I was inspired by the diverse group of riders celebrating at the end of the day with lobster and steamers. There were serious cyclists with high-tech bikes, outfitted in brightly colored lycra and cycling shoes and there were “regular” riders representing a wide range of ages and fitness levels. I said to myself, “You will never be a runner, but you can certainly ride a bike.” Early in the spring I joined a spin class 2-3 days a week. I hope to add a few training rides to get accustomed to riding on the road with a group. I hope that other novice riders will be encouraged to join Team Latham. The Last Gasp is such a great Cape Cod community event and a wonderful opportunity to raise funds for Latham Centers.”

Dawn said although she’s intimidated by the thought of biking from Sandwich to Provincetown in a timed event, past riders have assured her that the preparation and the encouragement along the route will get her to the finish. (She has also been advised not to use her 25-year-old bike and instead rent one suitable for the ride!) Dawn is enjoying sharing the experience with her kids who have joined her on some lengthy weekend bike path rides. “I’m also excited to be a part of this personally challenging way to support the life-changing work of Latham Centers,” Dawn added. “I’m hoping training and talking about the Last Gasp with my pre-teens will inspire them to hold signs of encouragement on Route 6A September 16th and cheer on the hundreds of riders.”

Additional riders are needed to help Team Latham achieve their fundraising goal of $15,000. The registration fee for each rider is $95, and each team member is required to raise $500 or more. Participants will have the opportunity to create a personal fundraising page to share via e-mail or on social media, and all funds raised through Latham’s participation in the Last Gasp will go to the Expanding our Circle capital campaign for the Latham Community Center.

It’s not too late to begin training for the 27th Annual Last Gasp. To register or to sponsor any of our riders, visit http://thelastgasp.everydayhero.do . We’re looking forward to announcing more Team Latham members and their progress during the next two months of training and fundraising.