Bruce's Ride to benefit St. Raphael cancer center

The Saint Raphael Foundation has will hold a new benefit for the Father Michael J. McGivney Center for Cancer Care, a bicycling event in Branford called “Bruce’s Ride” on Oct. 4 at Owenego Beach and Tennis Club in Branford.

The ride features 10-, 25- and 55-mile courses for cyclists of all ages and abilities, organizers said.

Dr. Steven Angelo, M.D., director of Saint Raphael’s Hospitalist Program, is chairman of the event, which is named for his father-in-law, Bruce Pantani, a beloved Branford native and building contractor who died of lung cancer in 2008, organizers said.

“The recent death of my father-in-law really opened my eyes to the tremendous needs of cancer patients and their families,” Angelo said in a statement. “As an avid cyclist, my dream of organizing a premier Shoreline bicycling event seemed like the perfect way to remember Bruce, raise cancer awareness and support Saint Raphael’s cancer patients.”

Bruce’s Ride is sponsored by B. Pantani and Sons Builders and Branford Building Supplies and proceeds will benefit the Father Michael J. McGivney Center for Cancer Care. Supporters include Paul and Co., Drescher Insurance, W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home and Ritch, Greenberg and Hassan, P.C. Additional support is needed and sponsorship categories are available from $100 to $5,000.

The family-friendly event begins at 6:45 a.m., with registration for the 55-mile ride, followed by staggered start times for the 10- and 25-mile rides. A picnic-style lunch follows at noon and features family entertainment and waterfront dining. Registration to participate as a cyclist is $50 for adults and $25 for children ages 13 to 18. There is no charge for children younger than 12, but they must be accompanied by an adult. All cyclists will receive a commemorative T-shirt, complimentary refreshments, road assistance throughout the course and a continental breakfast and lunch, organizers said.

For more information or to register for Bruce’s Ride, call the Saint Raphael Foundation at (203) 789-3316 or visit http://www.active.com/ and search for “Bruce’s Ride.”

In the photo: Bruce’s Ride planning committee members include, l to r, Laura, Dennis, Johanne, Bruce and Renee Pantani (seated) and Dr. Robert Nardino, Bill Albinger, and Dr. Steven and Donna Angelo.