Victory Junction Team Camp Challenge Ride Sponsored by Aetna
Raises $80,000 for Children with Chronic Medical Conditions
RANDLEMAN, NC (September 19, 2011) On Saturday, September 10 Victory Junction held its inaugural Team Camp Challenge Ride sponsored by Aetna and participants spent the day cycling through the scenic hills of North Carolina. The bicycle ride raised $80,000 for children with chronic medical conditions through participant fundraising and event sponsors including Aetna, the Dale Jr. Foundation, Walmart, and Krispy Kreme. The funds raised will allow Victory Junction to provide life-changing camping experiences to over 30 children.
“I enjoyed volunteering at the Camp Challenge ride,” said Teresa Parks, Aetna employee and volunteer coordinator. “It inspired me to find other ways our organization can come out to volunteer throughout the year and also let others in the community know about the services being offered at Victory Junction.”
Approximately 75 cyclists from North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia participated in the first-time event, which provided several long-time supporters of camp their first opportunity to personally experience Victory Junction.
“We chose to participate in the inaugural Team Camp Challenge Ride as we realize the good Victory Junction does for so many deserving children,” said Bubb Gelly, a member of the Carolina’s Credit Union Foundation and Team Little Guy. “Team Little Guy members rode the 100K route with pride and knowledge that our participation was worthwhile.”
Participants, volunteers, and guests were invited to enjoy breakfast, lunch, and camp activities throughout the day which included tours of camp, mini golf, the Tony Stewart maze, Victory Circle games, and live entertainment at the Dale Jr. Corral and Amphitheater. The North Carolina Quarter Horse Youth Association took their support of Victory Junction to the next level by providing a group of over 20 volunteers to assist in a variety of areas at the event.
“It’s important for our youth to know what they’re working for when they do fundraisers,” said Beth Plourd, North Carolina Quarter Horse Youth Association Advisor. “This event allowed them to attach a sense of purpose to their work and see it come to fruition at camp.”
Victory Junction is looking forward to continuing the Team Camp Challenge Ride in 2012, and is hopeful that the event will grow as word spreads through the cycling community.
“We could not have asked for a better first-time event,” said Austin Petty, Executive Vice President of Victory Junction. “Our staff and volunteers worked incredibly hard, the weather was perfect, and the positive feedback we’ve received from participants leaves no doubt next year’s Team Camp Challenge Ride will be even bigger.”
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About Victory Junction
Victory Junction is a year-round camping environment for children ages six to 16 with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses. Founded by Kyle and Pattie Petty in honor of their son Adam, the camp is located in Randleman, NC, with a second location opening soon in Kansas City, KS. Victory Junction offers programs for a range of disease groups and maintains strong relationships with more than 30 partner hospitals. Victory Junction’s mission is to provide life-changing camping experiences that are exciting, fun and empowering, in a safe and medically-sound environment. As a not-for-profit organization, the camp operates solely through the support of generous individuals, groups and corporations to provide this experience at no charge to children and their families. For more information or to donate, visit www.victoryjunction.org.
About Team Hole in the Wall
Team Hole in the Wall is a grassroots, fundraising program in support of Hole in the Wall Camps. Our members participate in marathons, cycling events and other athletic challenges or create and host events of their own to support the mission of the camps and provide children coping with serious illnesses with an empowering, camp experience that promotes joy, builds courage and instills hope. For more information, visit www.teamholeinthewall.org.
About Aetna Inc.
Aetna has a long tradition of giving and community support that crystallized in 1972, when the Aetna Foundation was established. Over the years, we have strengthened disease prevention programs, helped revitalize neighborhoods, supported the arts, provided aid to those in need, and listened to the diverse voices that shape our nation. Since 1980, Aetna and the Aetna Foundation have contributed $394 million in grants and sponsorships.
