When it comes to serving the community, Jack and Corinne Wlody are no strangers to finding unique and creative ways to give back.
That’s why when the Howard Beach couple — better known as Team Wlody — became actively involved in volunteering for Seaside 4 Therapeutic Riding, a Brooklyn-based nonprofit that serves special needs kids and adults from Brooklyn, Queens and Long Island who benefit from therapeutic riding, they knew they needed to help in any way they could.
On Nov. 19, Team Wlody held a “Saddles 4 Autism” 12-mile bike ride to raise money for the organization. They gathered donations from clients, friends and family and organized a ride along the Belt Parkway bike path from Howard Beach to the Jamaica Bay Riding Academy in Brooklyn.
The riders included Ken Podziba, president/CEO of Bike New York; Louis F. Lotito, manager of Best Market; Thomas Mercadante of Con Edison; and Guy Thomas, owner of Guy Thomas Salon.
“We want to get the word out about this magical program. We’ve seen miracles happen right before our eyes,” Jack and Corinne Wlody said. “It’s a privilege to work with these amazing people and horses week after week. We are all very devoted.”
The duo raised $2,025 for Seaside 4 Therapeutic Riding. The money will directly to purchasing tack for the horses and other much needed equipment for the children of the program.
“Seaside 4 Therapeutic Riding could not be more fortunate and blessed from the moment Corinne and Jack Wlody accidentally found our program a little over two years ago,” said Marian Pierce, program director for Seaside 4 Therapeutic Riding. “They and their wonderful friends raised funds to help with purchasing equipment and much-needed supplies for our students and our horses. They are always an inspiration and encouragement to others to work through the tough times. Thank you Team Wlody!”
Avid cyclists and NYS Champs of the 2016 National Bike Challenge, Team Wlody has helped countless people for over three decades in their private fitness studio. In addition to their own charitable endeavors, they are regular volunteers with Bike New York and the Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen.
Team Wlody also released their first book, “The Dog Who Saved Pleasantville, a ‘Tail’ of Lifestyle Choices for Kids and Their Parents” this past February. The book, which focuses on teaching children the importance of healthy lifestyle choices, for sale on Amazon and at Barnes and Noble and is also available at Queens Library.
