Riding to raise hopes
Most people in the drycleaning industry work hard each day trying to make ends
meet and bills paid in these trying times. It is not often that they are able
to take the time and effort away from work to help others.
Although there are many cleaners who help out their communities with Coats for
Kids, prom dresses for needy students, two percent for the local schools and
other notable causes, most are just caught up in the daily grind of work, work,
work.
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In July, Schapiro was involved in the largest single sporting event fundraiser
in the country — the Pan Mass Challenge, a two-day, 200-mile bike ride from Sturbridge MA, to
Provincetown, MA, to benefit cancer research.
Schapiro and the others involved raised $34 million for the Jimmy Fund for
Pediatric Cancer Research and the Dana Farber Institute, a special center for
pediatric cancer, in Boston.
There were 5,400 bike riders and each one is obligated to get sizable donations
to help children and their families overcome this frightening disease. Schapiro’s family has been touched by cancer and he was anxious to help raise money for
cancer research.
The experience was emotional, heartwarming, and gratifying, Schapiro said.
“My grandparents started a little tailor shop in Endicott, NY, in 1913. It was
the impetus for my parents and brothers to enter the business. This weekend was
all about giving back to the community and helping families who are less
fortunate than mine,” Schapiro said.
“I can tell you hundreds of stories from the people I met on the ride who have
been affected by the disease. Some riders have lost spouses and some have lost
children or parents. Some riders have miraculously overcome their disease
thanks to the Dana Farber Institute and Jimmy Fund, and thanks to the money
raised each year.
“It was so inspirational and so uplifting to ride alongside friends and strangers
and hear their stories and their heartfelt thanks to all the riders. I have
never seen such an outpouring of love, help, and just caring for our fellow
human beings. It was so good for the heart, and soul, and helped me realize
what one person can help accomplish.”
After the first night of cycling, most riders slept in a huge tent. Schapiro was
lucky enough to spend the night at friend and fellow drycleaners Paul and
Roberta Bagley’s house in Onset, MA, just at the midpoint of the ride.
Schapiro has spent many years in the drycleaning industry. In 1981, along with
his two brothers, he opened a tuxedo rental store. Since they already had the
drycleaning equipment, they were urged to expand their formal wear store to
include drycleaning.
From that they have expanded to an Apparel Master franchise, CRDN fire
restoration business, HealthWear, as well as Wedding Gown Preservation Co.
In 2005 they sold it all except for Wedding Gown Preservation Co., which Schapiro kept. Since then he has purchased Allied Heirlooming of
Mississippi and Heirloom Memories of Florida. His wife, Sue, joins him in
running the business.
For more information about the organization and the event, visit the Pan Mass
Challenge website, www.pmc.org. Schapiro can be reached at (607) 321-3810.
