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Team Velominati Powers Pan-Mass Challenge

Posted on February 12, 2023 | Comments Off

In music, there’s the Beatles. In soccer, Messi.

In fundraising, the Pan-Mass Challenge stands far above all others. The Massachusetts bike ride earns more money for charity than any other single athletic fundraising event in the US. Since 1980, it’s donated $900 million to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Last year alone, it was $65 million.

And in the Pan-Mass Challenge, Team Velominati is the Beatles and Messi, rolled into one.

The group — many of them Westporters — raised $675,000. Last year.

Bill Loftus — the founder of Coastal Bridge Advisers, a Wilton Road wealth management firm — is a crucial part of the team. He joined a few years ago.

Instantly, he was hooked.

Team captain Dave Hazard and Bill Loftus cross the finish line at mile 192 in Provincetown last August. Additional Team Velominati members ride in behind them.

Bill is one of 2,500 riders going the full distance: 112 miles from Sturbridge to Bourne on Saturday; then another 90 miles to Provincetown the next day.

Another 3,500 ride shorter distances, for one day.

Up to a quarter of all riders are cancer survivors.

“The human spirit is on full display,” Bill says. “It feels like the entire state is cheering us on.” Streets are filled with spectators. Bands play; cowbells ring.

The energy of the crowd — and the camaraderie of the riders — keeps him going.

Team Velominati always looks for new members. (The group rides in other fundraisers too, like the Bloomin’ Metric. They ski together too, in winter. But the Pan-Mass Challenge is the big one.)

Each team member commits to raising at least $6,500. Some do far more.

Bill notes that 100% of all funds go directly to cancer research. There are only a few paid staff members for the entire Challenge — and their salaries are covered by corporate sponsors.

“When I started, I wondered how I could give up a weekend in the summer,” Bill says.

“But never once did I feel like I missed anything. This is the best possible use of my time. It’s the best weekend of the year.”

(To learn more about the Pan-Mass Challenge — and how to join Team Velominati — email dhazard@gmail.com.)

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Posted in Local business, Sports

Tagged Bill Loftus, Pan-Mass Challenge, Team Velominati

OMG! Old Mill Grocery Funding Nears Finish Line

Posted on March 26, 2022 | 4 comments

Less than 2 weeks ago, “06880” reported on the drive to save “Elvira’s” — the Old Mill deli/market that camethisclose to being sold to a developer.

Since then, the team working feverishly to preserve the community institution has made great progress.

The end is in sight. But they still need help.

Last week, the group needed an additional $325,000 to acquire the property. They quickly raised $125,000.

Three days ago at a fundraiser, several donors offered $100,000 — as a matching grant. If others contribute that amount, the $325,000 goal will be reached.

But the deadline is soon: March 31. As in, this coming Thursday.

Committee members (from left) Ian Warburg, Jim Hood and Emily Ashken Zobl, outside the property they hope the community will help buy.

The group is creating a non-profit foundation. It will administer the Old Mill Grocery and Deli — and, as part of its mission, offer training and employment for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

One of the leaders behind the challenge grant is Bill Loftus, and his Coastal Bridge Advisors investment firm.

He says, “We are proud to be the first corporate donor in the effort to save Elvira Mae’s. It’s such an important part of Westport’s history and beach culture. We simply must save this neighborhood gem. I hope other Westport businesses will join us.”

Bill Loftus (4th from left) hosted a fundraiser at his Coastal Bridge Advisors office on Wilton Road — and then pledged funding to help save the Old Mill Grocery.

Committee member Emily Ashken Zobl says, “We are so grateful to Billy and his team for promoting this challenge grant. I grew up with Elvira’s, and have so many wonderful memories. I want my kids and their kids to be able to do the same.”

Member Ian Warburg notes, “This is such an innovative way to help us reach our goal. It means every $250 someone from the community donates becomes $500.”

Everyone donating $250 or more will be included in a digital history, on permanent display inside the market.

Chris Tait adds, “People always wonder what happened to great places once they’re gone and it’s too late. That’s why we’re shouting from the rooftops Once people hear about the opportunity to save something special, they’re in.”

Whether called Old Mill Grocery, Kenny’s, Elvira’s or Joey’s by the Shore, the Hillspoint Road market/deli has served the neighborhood — and town — since the 1920s.

Jim Hood says, “We are incredibly grateful for the community’s generous support. Now we’re asking for one last push to make sure our effort succeeds.”

Hood and other team members will be at the market today and tomorrow (Saturday and Sunday) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., to meet potential donors and answer questions.

They’ll have coffee and donuts — but they’ll have to buy them elsewhere, and bring them in.

For the great stuff, we have to wait for Old Mill Grocery & Deli to open.

Fingers crossed.

(For the Old Mill Grocery website, click here. To donate online, click here or use the QR code below. To request a wire transfer form or donate by check, click here. Questions about donating? Email savelvirasmarket@gmail.com.)