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Community Corner

Tony Thomas, Executive Director of Welcome House to Bike 230 Miles to Raise Money for Cancer and Welcome House Fitness Enthusiast to bike for two days to raise funds

Tony Thomas, the fitness-minded executive director of Welcome House, who is known to lead by example, is riding in VeloSano on July 19-20, 2014.  VeloSano is more than a fundraising event.  It is more than a bike ride.  VeloSano is a movement that will unite an entire community to help one another and the goal is to bring sustainable funding to the support of cancer research.

In an effort to promote health and wellness in 2010 , Thomas, who has challenged his over 300 employees to get and stay fit, ran from his home in Cleveland Heights to Welcome House’s offices, which were then located in Rocky River.  Now, he has committed to a two-day bike challenge for cancer research at the Cleveland Clinic.  In an interesting twist, he is donating the first 2k raised to the Clinic and the rest to Welcome House.

“Both organizations are near and dear to me,” said Thomas.  “So when I committed to doing this event, I decided it was best, and different, for me to donate some of the proceeds to the Clinic and some to Welcome House.  I have lofty goals, so any support of my efforts would not only be appreciated but go to two amazing causes and benefit hundreds of people.”

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Thomas began biking 18 years ago in 1996.  An avid runner, he added biking to his exercise regime to balance his fitness schedule.  He recently returned from a bike trip out west in order to properly train for this event.

“I only have one month to reach my goals.  I am confident that I can do it so long as I continue to focus on the many people I can reach,” said Thomas.  “I have seen, first-hand the difference that even one volunteer can make in our own efforts at Welcome House to help folks with Intellectual and Developmental Disorders live independent and fulfilling lives.  My clients inspire me every day.  I know that I can reach many by the power of one.”

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This Two-Day adventure will begin on Saturday, July 19, with Tony riding 110-miles, taking him as far as he can go in Northeast Ohio, ending at Liberty Park in Erie, PA, with an overnight stay at Mercyhurst University.

On Sunday, July 20th, he will begin a 120-mile trek back into Ohio.

If you wish to donate, please go to www.welcomehouseinc.org  or www.VeloSano.org  and search for Tony Thomas.  Welcome House stands for hope and VeloSano stands for a fast cure, ( it will be not be a fast ride!!!)

About Welcome House

Welcome House, Inc. is dedicated to helping individuals with developmental disabilities live full and rewarding lives by providing a variety of residential services in an atmosphere of a caring community.  Founded in 1972, Welcome House has a staff of 300 dedicated caregivers who provide services to more than 160 individuals with intellectual developmental disabilities living in group homes or supported living sites in Cuyahoga County, as well as to many others living in family homes.   Welcome House creates a supportive atmosphere in which clients develop independence and a sense of competence by experiencing success at home and in the community.  Welcome House is committed to ensuring excellence in care, compassion and the services we provide.

 For more information, contact Welcome House at 440.356.2330.

 

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