Sign-ups sought for Granny Bike benefit

Thursday, April 20, 2006

The fifth-annual Granny Bike Ride for Cancer will take place on Aug. 26.

The race starts and ends at The Pub in the Cunot area. Registration for the event will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Aug. 26 with the last rider going out at noon. After the ride, there will be dinner and an auction.

The benefit was started by Francis Cancilla and her husband Nunzio in honor of her mother, Judy Rubeck. Francis is Judy's eldest daughter. Judy was a victim of and lost her life to lung cancer. She was a Putnam County resident and worked at Operation Life and the Poland Fire Department before she was diagnosed.

The benefit is in its fifth year. Last year, it was televised. Francis Cancilla, the benefit creator, says she hopes for it to be televised again this year. Also, she talked of the benefit's success.

"Every year, the bike ride becomes more and more successful. Every year the benefit just grows bigger and bigger," she said.

In the past, corporate sponsors have been listed on the T-shirts for the event, but this year the event planners are taking a different approach.

"In past years, we have listed our corporate sponsors on shirts. This year we are asking for $5 donations from citizens with a loved one who was lost to or survived cancer. The names of their loved ones will be listed on the shirts," she said.

Donations are greatly appreciated for the race and the auction. New and used items will be auctioned off.

There will also be games, pull-tabs, and other fun events after the conclusion of the race.

One-hundred percent of the proceeds will go to cancer research. For any questions about the race or making a donation, contact Francis Cancilla at Mama Nunz's pizza at 653-8402.

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