3rd Annual Tour de Newport Honors Local Soldier’s Ultimate Sacrifice, Raises Funds and Awareness for Newport County Community Mental Health Center’s Children’s Services.
On September 18th, Newport County Community Mental Health Center, Inc. (NCCMHC), held its 3rd Annual Tour de Newport Bike-a-thon. This family-centered, health-focused event featured routes of 10, 25, and 45 miles which wound throughout scenic and historic sights of Newport, Middletown and Portsmouth to raise vital funds while promoting awareness and support for the agency’s Children’s Intensive Services (CIS).
CIS serves children between the ages of 2-18, many of whom have experienced overwhelming trauma and suffer from emotional and behavioral difficulties and are also at risk for costly hospitalizations and academic failure. CIS provides therapeutic, clinical programs and services for over 400 children and their families each year, many of whom are uninsured and otherwise underserved. Children are given the opportunity to develop coping and relationship skills which enable them to thrive as they grow and interact in educational and social settings.
This year’s Bike-a-thon held particular meaning as the ride was dedicated to honor the memory of Sgt. Michael Paranzino, son of NCCMHC Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Francis “Butch” Paranzino. Michael was killed in the line of duty in Afghanistan November 5, 2010. A ceremony to honor Michael’s ultimate sacrifice was held prior to the rider send-off with words of support from U.S. Congressman David Cicilline, the playing of “Taps” by Rhode Island State Bugler, Michael J. Jackson USAF SSgt. Retired, and a moment of silence.
The crisp September air provided ideal weather for our riders and volunteers alike and moments of sun complimented the island’s landscape as riders passed by. Over 170 riders participated to support this worthy cause in our community and to recognize that treatment and support for those suffering from mental illness is embraced rather than stigmatized.
We were very fortunate to have such a large number of volunteers from the NCCMHC staff and would like to thank all of these individuals as well as the Rhode Island Chapter of the American Red Cross volunteers who contributed their time and supplies to staff first aid stations along the routes. A special note of appreciation to our hard-working Board of Directors Vice Chair and Bike-a-thon Committee Chair, Mr. David L. Kelly.
We would also like to offer special recognition to our many sponsors, most notably: Newport Prescription Center, Lang Naturals, SuperKitty.org, BankNewport, and the Marsh & McLennan Agency. We also want to express our gratitude to our friends in government, the municipalities of Newport, Middletown, and Portsmouth for their assistance, Congressman David N. Cicilline, the Rhode Island State Bugler, Michael J. Jackson USAF SSgt. Retired, Rogers High School for allowing us to use their grounds to host the Bike-a-thon, the Rogers High School Junior ROTC Color Guard, and the volunteers from Middletown High School and Salve Regina University.
Our community came through, displaying compassion, understanding and financial support. Thank you so very much to all who helped and participated in the event.
We encourage those interested in participating in next year’s event to be sure to mark your calendars for September 16, 2012!
Thank you to all the businesses that donated to our event:
* Green Valley Country Club * Hotel Viking Newport * Pedal Power * Ben’s Furniture *
* Newport Athletic Club * * International Tennis Hall of Fame * Frosty Freez * Elemental Surf & Skate *
* Brick Alley Pub * Diversified Resources LLC * Newport Pilates * RaNEW Salon & Spa *
* 4imprint * Alagria Salon & Spa * Angela Moore * Beach Party Swimwear * Becky’s BBQ * Bed, Bath & Beyond * Best Buy *
* BJ’s Wholesale Club * * Chase Deli & Pizza * Coca-Cola * Crystal Springs Water * Del’s Lemonade *
* Delta Dental of Rhode Island * Eastern Ice Company * * Easy Entertaining, Inc. * Firehouse Pizza * Flo’s Clam Shack *
* Greek Food * IHOP * Island Books * JAM Construction * KJ’s Pub * Newport Tent Company * Polo Cleaners *
* Potter & Co. * Rocco’s Little Italy * Stop & Shop * Taco Bell * The Rhino Bar and Grille * Tucker’s Bistro *
