Wondering what you can do on July 18th? How about joining thousands of people from around the world who are going to contribute to a worthy cause – from the safety of your own home?
We have reported before on Cycle for the Cause, the annual 3-day, 275-mile bike ride organized by New York City’s LGBT Community Center to raise funds for the Center’s HIV/AIDS prevention and support services.
Sadly, because of the pandemic, that epic ride is not possible this year. However, the Center has come up with a fun and inclusive event to replace it. This event will raise much-needed funds for the Center and its fight against AIDS.
Best of all, it is completely inclusive. Whether you want to ride an indoor bike trainer or sew masks or bake cookies, this event is for you! (And of course, you don’t have to be LGBT either.)
If you want to have fun while contributing to a worthy cause, and have nothing planned for 18 July (and these days, who does?), then check this out!
Video about NYC’s LGBT Community Center’s 275 Challenge
How to Join NYC’s LGBT Community Center’s 275 Challenge
Instead of cycling 275 miles, this year all you have to do is commit to 275 minutes on 18 July. The process is simple. Go to the web site. Then:
- # 1: Pick an activity. As they say: “baking 275 cookies for essential workers, sewing 275 masks, biking or walking for 275 minutes … the sky’s the limit.”
- #2: Sign up. It’s free and easy, and you don’t have to commit to a minimum fund-raising achievement.
- #3: Ask your family, friends, and colleagues to support you. “Don’t be scared, lots of people want to help and make the world a better place.”
Why To Join NYC’s LGBT Community Center’s 275 Challenge
“Why take the 275 challenge? Because you’re done with making sourdough bread, Zoom happy hours, bingeing Netflix. Because we are still fighting for a cure for AIDS. ”
You’ll Never Cycle Alone
Or bake or walk or sew … the Center has a line-up of events happening on the day to encourage you. You can participate online! From the opening ceremonies at 8:00 EST, to the wrap-up ceremonies, the day is guaranteed to be fun and motivating.
“One day. One community. 275 minutes to make a difference from anywhere in the world.”
Here’s a little more from the Center’s Press Release:
“NYC’s LGBT Community Center (The Center) presents The 275 Challenge, a virtual endurance fundraiser where participants test themselves physically for 275 minutes —whether cycling, walking, baking, sewing masks or any other activity — to raise funds for The Center’s urgent work to serve LGBTQ people in need.”
Glennda Testone, The Center’s Executive Director, says:
“We’re excited to present The 275 Challenge as a way to bring people together safely and offer a shared sense of purpose. It’s a chance for anyone, anywhere in the world, to join our community and make a tangible difference for LGBTQ and HIV-affected communities.”
COVID-19 Has Increased the Need for The Center’s Services
There has been a 40% increase in the number of one-on-one mental health counseling sessions The Center has provided since mid-March. The Center will use funds from The 275 Challenge to continue to:
- Provide one-on-one, remote counseling sessions for youth, adults, and families.
- Host 25 virtual recovery groups, held weekly for more than 250 individuals dealing with challenges related to substance use.
- Offer free, at-home HIV testing kits to anyone who needs them.
- And much more.
Full details on how The Center is serving the community during this time can be found at gaycenter.org/covid-19-resources.
There is no registration fee and no fundraising minimum, and anyone can take The 275 Challenge. To learn more and register, visit the web site, Cycle for the Cause
About The Center
Established in 1983 as a result of the AIDS crisis, New York City’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center has grown and evolved over the last four decades, creating and delivering services that empower people to lead healthy, successful lives. The Center continues to serve the LGBTQ community through virtual support services, launched almost immediately after our building closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We offer a wide range of services including virtual one-on-one counseling; substance use treatment and support groups; virtual youth drop-in space; online arts and culture programming; health insurance navigation and a virtual “front desk” open seven days a week to respond to community inquiries. To learn more about how The Center is serving the community during this time, please visit our web site gaycenter.org.
Social Media
Follow The 275 Challenge on Instagram and Facebook.
#275Challenge
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