Going to the Max for the
From the March-April 2008 issue of UCHC e-link.
Through donations from customers and the participation of its employee cycling teams, one of the state’s best-known family of restaurants is throwing its support behind the CIGNA Jim Calhoun Cancer Challenge Ride.
The Max Restaurant Group of Hartford hopes to raise even more money than its impressive 2007 contribution. The company was a leading fundraiser in the inaugural Calhoun ride, totaling more than $17,000 from its team of seven riders.
Overall, the 2007 ride earned more than $150,000 for the Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center; more than 350 cyclists, teams and sponsors participated.
Brian Smith, who has tended bar at Max’s Oyster Bar in West Hartford since it opened eight years ago, collected more than $9,200 for the 2007 ride, making him the second-highest fundraiser for the event. His personal goal is $12,000 this year.
“I’m a passionate mountain and road cyclist, and have been since I was a kid. This is a great opportunity to take something that I love and use it to benefit others,” he says. “We have a wonderful customer base at Max’s that has been very supportive of our work. I must print out 20 donation sheets a week for my customers when they learn I’m participating in the ride.”
Robert Cooke, partner and general manager of Max’s Oyster Bar, believes the event is a natural fit for him personally and for the entire company, with its seven high-profile restaurants in Connecticut and Massachusetts.
“I have a personal connection to cancer through my father’s and my wife’s struggles with it, and I’ve participated in many other charity events for cancer before. But this race hits closer to home and has more meaning for me,” he says. “We want to support UConn and our local community. My wife is an alumna and even worked at the UConn Health Center for a time. Coach Calhoun is a customer. So we have a strong connection to UConn across all of our restaurants. We’re going to raise as much money as we can.”
In the meantime, Max employees like Smith are busy raising money for their individual rides. One of his repeat donors recently increased his pledge from $100 last year to $1,000 for the 2008 ride. Smith says it’s a sign of the generosity he sees every day.
“We’ve even seen some customers go out and start their own teams for the race,” he says. “Everyone is touched by cancer. This is an outstanding chance for me to do something about it.”
To participate in or pledge to the 2008 CIGNA Jim Calhoun Cancer Challenge Ride, please visit www.calhounride.com or contact the Office of Development & Almuni Relations at 860.679.1122.
