On the morning of Sunday, June 4, nearly 1,000 local residents descended on Harrisburg to participate in the Capital Area Greenbelt Association’s (CAGA’s) 23nd annual Tour de Belt signature fundraising event and Finish Line Fest. Together with sponsorship partners, the riders’ registration fees helped raise more than $57,000 in gross proceeds, which will benefit the organization’s efforts to support improvements and maintenance of the Greenbelt.
The Tour de Belt ride began at the HACC campus in Harrisburg. From there, participants circled the city on the Greenbelt, making a 20-mile loop featuring picturesque natural areas, parks, and open areas as it traverses the City of Harrisburg, Paxtang and Penbrook Boroughs, and Susquehanna and Swatara Townships. The ride, supported by over 140 dedicated volunteers, ended back at the HACC campus where the second annual Finish Line Fest offered music and entertainment, food trucks, and fun activities from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Sponsors of the 2023 Tour de Belt event totaled 24 in all, including tops sponsors LCSWMA (platinum sponsor), Faulkner Subaru Harrisburg, Highmark Blue Shield, and Penn State Health.
A new component was added to the event this year – Sponsor a
Rider – through which individual riders were encouraged to seek out pledges for
every mile they rode. Linda Shorey of Harrisburg was the top fundraiser and won
a $300 bike-themed gift basket from Covanta, a champion-level Tour de Belt
supporter. In addition to this prize, several gift cards to Giant and other
area businesses were included, bringing the total value to over $500. John
Decker of Harrisburg was the second top fundraiser. He won two tickets to the
Dauphin County Jazz and Wine Festival. Together Linda and John raised $500 with
all proceeds benefiting CAGA.