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Testimonials
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Brian Vaugh
Lynn, Thanks for the note. Actually it means more to me than you can imagine. I feel very connected to the Angel Ride. It was a very special moment for me to be able to take part in the "ceremony" at the start of the day.
I feel honored that you too felt it was special and would like me to be involved again. Of course, I would like to do it again. I feel pleased, happy and proud.
I want to thank you too for all you have done, and do, to make this ride so special. I think the Angel Ride is more than a bike ride or charity. It is a 'spiritual Event.' What you, and others I'm sure, have created is a place where for a few days people, both riders and volunteers, can step out of ordinary reality and step into a special reality where 'Other' becomes more important than 'Self'. This is no small thing. If anything, this is what is lacking most in our time. This is Spirituality!!. This cannot be found in prepackaged Religions or Philosophies. It is something that must be spontaneous. You, Lynn, are responsible for some magic and healing in a world that needs to be able to climb out of the box once in a while and experience some fresh air.
I have been thinking about Angela alot lately. You see I just started the latest Harry Potter book and find such a parallel between Harry and Angela. Both are Prophets. Yeh, for our time. Both have a job they didn't ask for and both get beaten up in this world. But it is by their suffering the rest of us are given strength and resolve to keep on keeping on.
Most scriptures say something like we will be "guided by a child".
Well, I feel like I am starting to sound like Billy Graham.
I will close by saying Angela (and her wonderful family) are giving all of us involved with the Ride more than just a glimpse of what we are capable of if we can just spend a few days a year giving a bit of ourselves to Other.
...this event was not just
an event but an unmatched coming together of goodwill, love,
motivated endurance and community of humanity. I have a new
quote that I can't help thinking of when I try to explain to
people what Angel Ride is all about...
"We are, each of us, angels with only one wing; and we
can only fly by embracing one another."
~ Luciano de Crescenzo
Not only am I moved beyond words by the dedication of the core
group of volunteers (they know who they are!), but I am
particularly impressed with the kids who rode. They effused
the indominable spirit that energizes this ride. With good
cheer and full hearts, they overcame blisters and pushed their
bikes (at least one without toe clips) with sheer
determination. And, of course, there's Angel and Ann. Looking
back, I find it hard to believe it took me so long to make the
decision to ride rather than volunteer. At this point, I can't
even imagine not riding!
One guy I rode with for a while came in from New Jersey for
the ride, and told me "I had no idea what I was getting
into". Somehow I don't think he meant just the 80 miles
of hills. This ride leaves you a changed person. Kinda like
getting religion. I can personally say that training for and
riding in this ride showed me a new way to pray. I have two
close friends who are fighting cancer at different stages, and
my training rides provided hours of personal time with God to
pray without interruption. Seeing Angel and her family showed
me that prayers really do get answered. And speaking of “religion”,
please pass our appreciation along to Brian for starting our
Sunday out perfectly.
And, just to shift gears (pun intended), it was just a whole
lotta good fun!
While I know that all of you have put uncountable hours into
making sure that all the details were taken care of, it was
clear to all who rode, I think, that it was a labor of love.
It must be hugely gratifying to fall asleep at night knowing
what a difference you are all making in the world!
B – Rider
This weekend was tremendous! From meeting Angel, her mom, and
so many people I now call friends, to the rides were both
outstanding, and to finish line where my children and wife saw
me ride in, I am not sure that I have ever had a more
fulfilling weekend, emotionally or physically. So, please know
that you have my sincere thanks and graititude for all that
you and your staff did to put it together. Thanks, so much,
again,
D -Rider
First of all, thank you so much for everything you did to pull
off this year's ride. Raising funds for an incredible cause
and getting 100 riders safely across Connecticut in two days
is a daunting task. I thought the organization and effort from
everyone was amazing. I'll certainly be back next year. Thank
you.
J - Rider
It was a great experience. Its clear that all of you put in a
tremendous amount of time and effort to make it a great
experience for the riders. I appreciate it and will continue
to support your efforts. I am looking forward to returning
next year. Thank you again.
D - Rider
Wanted to thank you (and the entire angel ride organization)
for involving us in the Angel Ride. We are committed to the
Hole in the Wall Gang Camp due to the incredible help it has
given us. We are indebted to people like you who are giving so
much to this wonderful organization.
F Family – Volunteers (Hole in the Wall Gang Family)
I just wanted to tell you what a great feeling it was for me
to participate in this event. I have done other long distance
rides for other charities and I have never been so impressed
and so moved by the spirit, goodwill, good humor, and the
cooperation of everyone involved. Having a chance to meet a
real Angel is a once in a lifetime experience. Best regards,
L. (Rider)
I'm writing to you to thank you. I could not imagine how
thankful these families are because of you. Although I'd have
to say that course was challenging, but when it got hard for
me and I was struggling, I thought to myself how bad can this
be, I could not even imagine what those children with cancer
are going through. Not only did it help those children ,but It
also helped me because it showed me how strong I am and that I
can accomplish anything that I put my heart too. I thought of
all this when I was riding all alone on the bike ride. So, It
just didn't help those kids it also helped the riders it
allowed them to know that their great people for doing this
and they can do anything they set their hearts too. Just
everyone's enthusiasm and their support was incredible it
helped me and all the riders without a doubt out. The
Motorcycle crew, I'd have to say were the best. They were
there for you at anytime and cared so much about the riders.
It's just amazing how many people where there riders, and
volunteers. I want you to know I'll be back next year and will
be trained, since I didn't train at all for this ride. I just
wanted to thank you for amazing weekend I had.
S –Rider (student)
…and extend my sincere thanks to you both for letting me
work with you and the Angel RIDE volunteers. I think I can
represent the other (Camp) parents and express our sincere
gratitude. It is difficult to explain - especially in an
e-mail - but despite how much support a parent can provide to
their kids, it does take support from others - what your plan,
efforts and involvement contribute to that need is wonderful
and appreciated in ways you may not yet know (and as you know,
it's not a dollar thing). Jim and I loved every minute of it!
S – Camp Parent/ Volunteer/ Team Leader
Great, Great, Great, job this weekend, again! If you need us
next year, we'll be back.
B & F "Sweeper" - Volunteers
Thanks again for a wonderful experience!
D Moto Safety Crew (2nd year)
Dear Lynn, Fred, and Justin – Thank you all so very much for
your organizational success, your dedication to the mission of
The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, and for coordinating such a
memorable and thoughtful event.
M – Hole in the Wall Gang
To Quote Arnold Schwartenegger, "I'll be back!" I
had a great time and I got so much more out of this than I
gave. You guys truly are Angels to volunteer your efforts.
Thanks again,
A – Rider
I had a fantastic time this past weekend! The ride was very
well put together!!! Nice job and thank you for such a
wonderful experience. Thanks, M - Rider
What a super, duper, marvelous job you did!
Congratulations!!!! You two hit a grand slam with Angel Ride
this year and deserve mega kudos. Everything was extremely
well done, and every base was covered. Rick was really
impressed (and very grateful!) with the way the volunteers
tidied camp afterward. And the parents just loved being a part
of something so special and so meaningful. Everyone was deeply
moved by the ribbon ceremony, and I saw many folks trying to
hold back the tears (unlike me who let them rip....) Your
devotion, dedication, and love for that project showed in
every piece of it. Congratulations! It is indeed an honor to
be a part of Angel Ride,
K – Hole in the Wall Gang
From Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal
Dear Friends:
What a wonderful celebration and finish to the ride across
Connecticut -- honoring and supporting a very special cause. I
hope to be with you again, at future events, as I indicated
when we spoke. I am only sorry that I was delayed by the
Putnam Parade, and traffic, in reaching Mystic. I look forward
to seeing you soon again, and congratulate and thank you in
the meantime. Many thanks, and warmest regards.
Sincerely,
RICHARD BLUMENTHAL
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AngelRide
2004 Sponsorship Packet
AngelRide
2004 Donation Form
