Page 18 - 2019 Fall CMTA Report

R A I S I N G F U N D S A N D A W A R E N E S S

WALK THIS WAY: SOUTHERN
6TH ANNUAL CYCLE (AND WALK!) 4 CMT CONNECTICUT BRANCH

RAISES MORE THAN $200K ur Walk 4 CMT on September
O22 was our branch’s fifth. We
call it the Southern Connecticut
ore than 200 people
Cycle/Walk/Run 4 CMT so
took part in the 6th
participants know they have
Annual Cycle (and
options. Before we started holding
MWalk!) 4 CMT in
the walks, our branch’s first two
Charlotte, Vermont, on
fundraisers offered food, music and
August 25. With more
raffle prizes and were quite
than 100 sponsors, includ-
successful. They also required a lot
ing the Manning Personnel
of planning and preparation. When
Group and Turbomed, the the CMTA announced in April
event surpassed its 2015 that it planned to hold a
$200,000 goal, bringing coordinated set of nationwide
the six-year total to more events during September’s
than $1 million for CMT Awareness Month, I thought it
research. might be a good time to change
Participants came from our model. I liked the idea of our
far and wide and included branch being a part of something
Paralympic champion bigger that raises awareness and
Anthony Zahn and his research funds.
wife Liz Bernstein, from The first item on our to-do
California, and people list is always finding a location
from many northeastern that’s accessible to everyone. This
states, as well as Texas, year, we settled on the Farmington
Florida and Virginia. Whit- Canal Heritage Trail, which runs
ney Wright, 17, from through the nearby town of Ham-
Franklin County, Vermont, den, Connecticut. The popular
not only connected with trail is paved, shaded in most parts
other CMTers for the first and even has benches sporadically
time in her life, she met another woman who shares the same rare type and they are now placed along the route. It’s a popu-
friends (see related story p. 12). lar destination for runners,
Event founder Chris Ouellette noted the record number of participants, sponsors and bicyclists and walkers of all ages.
donations, which included 100 cyclists, 75 walkers, 100 event sponsors and more than We meet at nearby Brooksvale
1,000 individual donations. “Many, many thanks to all our volunteers, sponsors, partici- Park, which has access to the trail,
pants and donors who chose to get involved to fund critical research to treat and find a cure plenty of parking, a small play-
for CMT,” Ouellette said, adding, “You are making a mighty impact, changing the course ground, farm animals, and
of CMT for the generations of today and tomorrow.” another necessity—a Porta-Potty.
In addition to local participants, 20 enthusiastic participants did their “OWN” chal- We always receive confirmation
lenges (walks, rides, and a horseback adventure) on their “OWN” terms, in their “OWN” from the park ranger that the
time frames. September date we want is avail-
There’s still time for anyone who would like to donate or do their “OWN” cycle or able and approved and then the
walk challenge. Go to: https://secure3.convio.net/cmta/site/SPageNavigator/walk_cycle_home.html and to set up a challenge or email Elizabeth CMTA takes care of the necessary
Ouellette at elizabetho@outlook.com to learn more.
insurance information. Since the
The 7th Annual Cycle (and Walk!) 4 CMT will be held on Sunday, August 30, 2020. park and trail can be busy at
Interested in volunteering for next year’s event? Please email Elizabeth Ouellette times, we hold our event on a
at elizabeth@outlook.com Sunday morning when it isn’t so
crowded.

18 THE CMTA REPORT FALL 2019