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02/26/2012 11:00 PMCLINTON - Get your spinning shoes on-whether you are a cycling devotee or a first-time spinner, this Saturday, March 3 event is a great chance to help a young girl and her family ride out a difficult period.
The Connecticut Sports Foundation and Shoreline Fitness are hosting a Cycle Against Cancer indoor cycling event this Saturday to help a four year-old Clinton resident fighting leukemia.
"The face of this fundraiser is a little gal by the name of Tess," said Jane Ellis, president and executive director of the Connecticut Sports Foundation. "Our goal is to raise $80,000."
Ellis and her husband John founded the non-profit organization more than two decades ago. The foundation provides services for families coping with cancer through financial assistance with rent, mortgage, utilities, food, prescriptions, transportation, and other types of basic living expenses.
The fun-filled spinning event will be held at Shoreline Fitness's Clinton location at 141 Main Street in two sessions, one running from 9 a.m. until noon and the second beginning at 1 p.m. and ending at 4 p.m. Pre-registration is required, though there's no fee to register. Participants can sign up as an individual or with a team of family, friends, or coworkers.
Prizes will be awarded to the top fundraiser and the top fundraising team. The top fundraiser will win a $500 gift card from Zanes Cycles.
For spinners waiting for their turn on a bicycle, there will be professionals offering free massages, free personal training, and a question-and-answer portion to help keep all participants busy and entertained. Local businesses including Dunkin' Donuts, Panera Bread, and Cohen's Bagel Company have offered to donate food, coffee, and beverages as well. T-shirts will also be offered.
"We are asking that each team raise $1,000. You can have as many people on your team as you like, so if you have 10 people on your team, you only have to raise $100 each," Ellis said. "It's very doable and we still are looking for teams to be formed. It's going to be a really fun event for a great cause."
The foundation is looking forward to partnering with Shoreline Fitness. Ellis said that she hopes with the success of this event, they can continue doing the indoor cycling event on a yearly basis.
"This is the first time that we have reached out to the shoreline, which makes a lot of sense for us because our organization is based here in Old Saybrook," Ellis said.
Non-cyclists are invited to cheer those on by attending and making a donation. Register by calling 860-388-0788 or visit www.cycleagainstcancershoreline.org.