WEST HARTFORD – Three staff members of the Mandell Jewish Community Center (JCC) in West Hartford will join more than 175 cyclists from around the world participating in the 2016 Arava Institute Hazon Israel Ride to be held in Israel, Nov. 8 – 15.

The JCC’s assistant sports director Thai Tran, Kate Wells, a teacher in the JCC’s Beatrice Fox Auerbach Early Childhood Center, and Emily Baffaro, the early childhood center’s curriculum coordinator will ride 30 miles per day to raise money for growing food and environmental studies in southern Israel.

“This is a tangible way for us to strengthen our connection with Israel. We are honored and excited to participate in this life-changing experience,” said Baffaro.

JCC Chief Operating Officer Annie Keith, who in 2013 became the JCC’s staff member to take part in the ride, expressed her support for the riders. “I am so proud that we are able to support such a meaningful cause,” she noted. “It was a life-changing experience that I am thrilled to pass on to other riders from the JCC.”

Donations made to the riders benefit Hazon and the Arava Institute.

For more information call (860) 236-4571 or visit https://israelride.org/sponsor-a-rider/.

CAP: (l to r): Emily Baffaro, Thai Tran, Kate Wells