Hartford health insurer Aetna Inc. is deepening its backing of the Hole in the Wall Gang Camps with a $250,000 grant to expand bike-riding fundraisers nationwide later this summer to support the retreats for seriously ill children in Ashford and other American communities.
Aetna and Team Hole in the Wall officials announced the grant Friday in Ashford, where late actor Paul Newman first opened a recreational retreat for children with cancer, diabetes, HIV/AIDS and other serious illnesses.
Thousands of cyclists, volunteers and campers will participate in three expanded Camp Challenge Rides on Sept. 12 at camps in Ashford, The Painted Turtle in California and Double H Ranch in New York.
“Every dollar raised is used to send children to a camp near them for a joyful, empowering experience, complete with round-the-clock medical care,” said Floyd Green, Aetna’s head of community relations and urban marketing.
Aetna also funded the 2009 challenge ride with a $50,000 grant as a trial project to expand the camps’ fundraising capacity, officials said. Last year’s ride raised more than $215,000 for the camps.
