One Meatball or Two? Tom Levesque 4th Annual Bike Run

Well this adventure is kind of a two-for-one story. We get to share how we volunteered at a fundraising event while simultaneously highlighting a friend that found a way to give back. The Tom Levesque Bike run started four years ago, shortly after he lost a battle with cancer. His wife Cheryl, an oncology nurse, stayed by his side through every difficult moment. Tom's passing became the catalyst for Cheryl to direct her focus to giving back to others. She gathered her friends, her ideas, and her energy to organize an annual bike run in her husband's memory that would benefit the Connecticut Cancer Foundation.

The first bike run started with 36 riders and raised $2100 for the foundation. This year, four years later, there were 59 riders and the event raised $8,000! To date, Cheryl has donated $17,700 to the foundation in her husband memory. Let me tell you a bit about this really fun event that Cheryl has put together. Early in the morning, the riders, as they say, "kickstands up", in Branford, CT. They checked in, hopped on their bikes and hit the road. They rode for 70 miles through various towns and scenic areas of CT until they reached their destination in Middletown, CT at the Elk's Club. This is where Michelle and I were waiting to lend a hand. The excitement was palpable when the riders started filing in after their ride. I ran out to greet Cheryl and give her a big hug of support. I knew that once she crossed the threshold of that club, I would not get another chance! There was 150 people waiting to see her!

She was greeted by all of her guests with great enthusiasm! The room was alive with laughter, hugs, stories, and fantastic music by Gear Junkies. Seriously, I could not sit still as they played classic rock hits.

There was a 50/50 raffle along with tables full of donated raffle items! Michelle and I were amazed when we were told that the food was all made by two guys, Jeremy and Scott from the Middletown Elks House Committee. There was pasta with meatballs, chicken cutlets, and salad. I am pretty picky when it comes to the sauce and I have to admit that it was really good. Do not tell my mom I said that; I will deny it! Michelle dished out the pasta and I was in charge of the meatballs. Our biggest accomplishment of the day? Well....not getting any sauce on our shirts of course!!

We were really impressed with this event. It was so well organized, provided a great time for the guests, and benefitted a great cause. I could not wait to share the experience with my co-workers that work alongside Cheryl everyday. I knew that they would be just as proud of her efforts as we were. Cheryl said that the memory of her husband and helping Connecticut cancer patients is what drives her to keep this event going each year. Planning the event begins six months before the ride to be sure everything is just right.

I hope you enjoyed meeting Cheryl and hearing about her giveback event. Watch our site when we post a flyer for next year! Consider riding, donating, or coming to the event.