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Date: 9/15/2021
WEST SPRINGFIELD – For the duration of July, Mayor William Reichelt, Adam Jaber of Colorado Ski and Bike Shop, and over 35 others took part in the “Sufferfest,” a virtual fundraising event in which people were able to participate by biking anywhere at any time.
In total, this year’s Sufferfest raised $6,718. On Sept. 2, Reichelt presented a check to the West Springfield Boys and Girls Club with these funds.
Dan D’Angelo, executive director of the West Springfield Boys and Girls Club, said the money will go toward the “beautification” and completion of the murals on their building, located at 615 Main Street.
D’Angelo shared that the extra funding will also go toward their various programs, including their afterschool program.
He extended his gratitude to the mayor and the countless other riders for taking the time to do this. “All [the] money counts,” said D’Angelo.
The Sufferfest tradition began in 2020 when Reichelt and Jaber decided to compete for the most miles biked. Whoever lost had to pay $300 to the Boys and Girls Club, as Reichelt claimed they suffered through the pandemic.
The 2020 event raised $5,000 in total to donate to the Boys and Girls Club. Stemming from its successes, the board, Jaber and Reichelt decided to host this event again.
For the second year in a row, Reichelt beat Jaber, with a total of 11,000 miles biked. Although the mayor was the victor among the two of them, the true “winner” was Tom Kennedy – a West Springfield resident who biked 11,200 miles.
Despite July being the rainiest month in history, Reichelt said, “It was a great opportunity. We got other people to join and got them out doing it. It’s for a great cause.”
With great participation, on top of raising awareness, the West Springfield Boys and Girls Club is hopeful to continue raising money in the future.