From Cookies to Community Impact | Autism Charity Bike Ride Story
How Collette Divitto’s Story of Disability Empowerment Connects to Charity Cycling and Community Impact
In the heart of Ridgefield, Connecticut, Collette Divitto turned a lifelong love of baking into a movement for disability empowerment. Born with Down syndrome, Collette’s journey shows what’s possible when people are given the right support, opportunities, and community resources.
Her story isn’t just inspirational — it’s a real-world example of how inclusive employment, local businesses, and community fundraising can create lasting change.
It’s also exactly the kind of impact supported by Bike to the Beach, an autism charity bike ride and charity cycling event for disabilities that raises funds for programs helping individuals and families build meaningful, independent lives.
From Baking Hobby to Inclusive Business: The Story Behind Collettey’s Cookies
Collette discovered baking early in life as both a creative outlet and a way to connect with others. Her signature cinnamon chocolate chip recipe — “The Amazing Cookie” — quickly became a favorite among friends and family.
After completing Clemson University’s LIFE transition program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Collette moved to Boston to pursue employment. Like many people with disabilities, she faced barriers including hiring bias and limited opportunities.
Instead of giving up, she created her own path.
Why Stories Like Collette’s Matter for the Disability Community
Collette launched Collettey’s Cookies, building an inclusive small business that hires people with disabilities, provides on-the-job training, and connects families with community resources. Today, her company has sold hundreds of thousands of cookies and employs a growing team — proving that ability and opportunity go hand in hand.
Collette’s success didn’t happen in isolation. It happened because:
- community support showed up
- businesses opened doors
- people invested time and resources
This same “community-first” approach powers events like Bike to the Beach — where everyday people come together through peer-to-peer fundraising for autism to support education, therapy services, job training, and family programs.
When communities rally together, real outcomes follow.
What Is Bike to the Beach? A Charity Cycling Event for Disabilities and Autism
Bike to the Beach is a fully supported charity bike ride for autism and disabilities that brings together riders, volunteers, families, and corporate teams to fund life-changing nonprofit programs.
Participants can choose multiple distances, including:
- 25-mile rides
- 50-mile rides
- 100-mile century rides
Every mile ridden and every dollar raised supports local nonprofit partners that provide:
- job readiness programs
- therapy services
- school-year supports
- family resources
- employment opportunities
It’s more than a ride — it’s a bike ride for a cause.
How Riders, Volunteers, and Sponsors Make an Impact
One of the strengths of Bike to the Beach is that there’s a role for everyone. You can:
- sign up for the autism bike fundraiser
- join a fundraising team for autism
- volunteer for an autism event
- sponsor a charity bike ride
- participate through corporate sponsorship or team building
Local businesses often amplify impact through matching gifts and corporate volunteer opportunities, turning a single charity cycling event into a community-wide movement.
This flexibility makes it one of the most family-friendly cycling events and accessible nonprofit bike rides on the East Coast.
How Your Participation Supports Real Programs
Funds raised stay close to home and directly support nonprofit partners serving the autism and disability community. That means your participation helps fund:
- employment training
- inclusive workplaces
- therapy access
- school and caregiver support
- independent living skills
When riders cross the finish line, they aren’t just completing a ride — they’re helping someone else access a job, a classroom, or a community where they belong.
How to Get Involved in This Charity Bike Ride for Autism
Getting started is simple:
- Register for the ride
- Create a peer-to-peer fundraising page
- Share Collette’s story and your “why”
- Invite friends, family, and coworkers to support
- Ride and celebrate the impact
Whether you ride, volunteer, or sponsor, your involvement directly supports programs that create opportunity and independence for people with disabilities.
Ride With Purpose
Collette Divitto’s story proves that when communities invest in people, incredible things happen.
That same belief drives Bike to the Beach. If you’ve ever wanted to turn your energy into impact, this is your invitation: Ride. Volunteer. Sponsor. Join a team.
Together, we can create a future where abilities shine brighter than limitations.