Bike to the Beach Company: A Story of Empowerment

When Collette Divitto was repeatedly told “no” during her job search, she didn’t give up. Instead, she turned her passion for baking into a thriving business that creates jobs for people with disabilities. Her story is a powerful reminder that ability and ambition are everywhere, but opportunity is not. It shows what can happen when a community provides the right support and resources for someone to build an independent, meaningful life. This is the exact kind of change we work to create at Bike to the Beach. Our mission is fueled by stories like Collette’s, which is why the biketothebeach company is dedicated to funding local programs that open doors to employment, education, and inclusion.

Why Collette Divitto’s Story Powers Our Mission

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.

Building an Inclusive Business, One Cookie at a Time

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.

Changing Perceptions and Creating Opportunity

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.

The Scope of the Autism Community

Collette’s story highlights a much larger need for inclusive opportunities. Today, about 1 in 36 children in the U.S. is on the autism spectrum, a reality that touches families in every neighborhood. But these aren’t just statistics; they represent millions of individuals with unique skills and aspirations, just like Collette. When we talk about the autism community, we’re talking about our neighbors, friends, and family members. This is why strong local support networks are so critical—they provide the resources needed for education, employment, and independent living. It’s also why every dollar raised through Bike to the Beach stays in the local community, creating tangible, on-the-ground impact where it matters most.

More Than a Ride: What is Bike to the Beach?

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 Our Supported Charity Rides Work

Our events are designed to be safe, inclusive, and fun for cyclists of all skill levels. When we say “fully supported,” we mean it. From the starting line to the beach, our team is there to make sure you have everything you need. This includes clearly marked routes, frequent rest stops with snacks and hydration, and support vehicles to help with mechanical issues or give you a lift if you need a break. Our incredible volunteers cheer you on every step of the way, creating an atmosphere of encouragement and community that lets you focus on the ride.

This structure allows you to focus on your ride and the reason why we bike: to create real, local impact. Every dollar you raise goes directly to our nonprofit partners in your region, funding the exact kind of programs that help people like Collette build independent, fulfilling lives. It’s a seamless experience designed to maximize your enjoyment and your contribution, turning every pedal stroke into progress for the community.

The Benefits of Riding for a Cause

Joining a Bike to the Beach ride is about so much more than just cycling. It’s an opportunity to challenge yourself physically while making a tangible difference for individuals and families impacted by autism and other disabilities in your own community. The experience offers a powerful combination of personal achievement and collective impact. You’re not just training for a finish line; you’re contributing to a movement that creates opportunities and fosters a more inclusive world. Whether you’re riding in honor of a loved one, to connect with your community, or simply to push your own limits, the benefits extend far beyond the bike path.

Personal Growth and Connection

There’s a unique sense of accomplishment that comes from setting a goal and seeing it through, especially when it’s tied to a greater purpose. With distance options including 25, 50, and 100-mile century rides, you can choose a challenge that fits your experience level. Along the way, you’ll connect with hundreds of other riders, volunteers, and families who share your commitment. The camaraderie on ride day is electric—you’ll share stories, offer encouragement, and celebrate together at the finish line. It’s a chance to be part of a dedicated community united by action and a common goal.

Mental Health and Well-being

The positive effects of cycling on mental health are well-documented. As experts from UCLA have noted, biking helps your mood, reduces stress, and makes your thinking clearer. Combining that physical activity with the beautiful scenery of our routes and the knowledge that you’re supporting a meaningful cause is a powerful way to support your well-being. The ride offers a chance to unplug from daily pressures, focus on the rhythm of the pedals, and channel your energy into something positive. It’s a healthy outlet that strengthens both your body and your spirit.

Upcoming Ride Locations and Dates

Ready to join the movement? We host rides in four major regions, each with its own scenic route and dedicated community of supporters. Find the event nearest you and sign up to ride, volunteer, or donate. Your participation helps build a more inclusive future for your neighbors.

Florida Ride

Kick off the season with a beautiful ride through the Sunshine State. Our Florida event is a perfect way to soak up the sun while supporting local disability programs that serve communities across the state. You can join the Florida ride and make a difference.

DC/MD/VA Ride

Join hundreds of riders for our flagship event that started it all. The route from the nation’s capital to the shores of the Chesapeake Bay is an unforgettable experience for a great cause that unites the entire DMV community. Find out more and register for the DC/MD/VA ride.

New England Ride

Experience the stunning scenery of the Northeast with a ride that supports autism and disability initiatives across New England. This ride brings together a passionate community from Boston and beyond for a journey through picturesque landscapes. Get involved and sign up for the New England ride.

New York Ride

Take on a challenge with a ride that starts near the iconic landscape of New York City and heads toward a celebratory finish at the beach. Your efforts will directly fund essential programs in the tri-state area. Learn more about the New York ride and secure your spot.

The Community That Powers Our Ride

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.

Our Connection to the ADD Impact Network

Just as Collette’s success was built on a network of support, Bike to the Beach believes that real change happens when people and organizations work together. We see ourselves as more than just an event organizer; we’re a community connector. This philosophy is at the core of our ADD Impact Network, which brings together local nonprofits, families, businesses, and service provider partners. By creating a space for these groups to collaborate, we help ensure that the funds raised through our rides are directed where they’re needed most, strengthening the entire local disability community. It’s a model built on shared action, where every participant helps build a stronger, more connected support system for individuals and families.

Community Events Beyond the Ride

While our destination charity bike rides are the main event, building a strong community is a year-round commitment. We know that connection and support happen long before and after our cyclists cross the finish line. That’s why we host a variety of smaller, more casual events that give our community a chance to get together, share stories, and have fun. These gatherings are the perfect way for new riders to meet the team, for volunteers to connect with one another, and for everyone to stay engaged with the mission. It’s all part of our belief that a shared cause is strongest when it’s built on genuine relationships and consistent engagement.

Bike to the Breweries

One of our favorite community traditions is the Bike to the Breweries series. These fun, casual rides are part training day, part social hour, and all about community. It’s a low-pressure way to get some miles in, meet fellow riders, and learn more about the Bike to the Beach mission without a major fundraising commitment. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist training for one of our New England century rides or just looking for a fun weekend activity, these events are a perfect entry point into our community. They embody the spirit of Bike to the Beach: bringing people together to have a good time for a great cause.

Where Does Your Support Go?

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.

Our Fundraising Impact by the Numbers

When we say your fundraising makes a difference, we have the numbers to prove it. The most important part of our model is that every dollar you raise stays right in your community—it’s our promise. In the last three years alone, our community of riders, donors, and volunteers has directed more than $1,250,000 to local organizations that help people with autism and other disABILITIES. This is the collective power of people showing up for their neighbors, and it’s the core of why we bike for a cause.

That funding translates directly into real-world support, creating more access to job readiness programs, essential therapy services, and critical school-year resources for families. When you become a sponsor or join a ride, you are helping build a local network of opportunity that empowers individuals to find meaningful work and live independently. Every contribution, big or small, helps create the kind of inclusive communities where everyone has the chance to succeed, just like Collette.

Ready to Join Us? Here’s How to Get Involved

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.

For Corporate Sponsors

Partnering with Bike to the Beach is a powerful way for your company to make a tangible impact in the local community while achieving your corporate social responsibility goals. We offer flexible partnership options designed to align with your brand’s mission and engage your employees in a meaningful cause. By joining us, you help create opportunities for individuals with autism and other disabilities to thrive. Explore our sponsorship opportunities to find the right fit for your organization and demonstrate your commitment to building a more inclusive community.

In-Kind Donations

One of the most direct ways to support our mission is through in-kind donations. By providing essential goods or services—like food for our rest stops, marketing support, or equipment—your company helps offset event costs. This ensures that more of every dollar raised goes directly to our local nonprofit partners. Your contribution not only supports our riders but also provides vital resources for families and individuals in the autism and disability community, making a visible and immediate difference.

Matching Gift Sponsorships

Amplify your team’s impact by becoming a matching gift sponsor. When your company matches the donations raised by your employees, you double their fundraising power and show incredible support for their efforts. This is a fantastic way to foster team spirit and encourage employee engagement in a cause that matters. Matching gifts are a clear and measurable way to demonstrate your company’s commitment to community investment and support the causes your employees are passionate about.

Event Underwriting

Help us put on a safe, memorable, and successful event by underwriting specific costs. Sponsoring a rest stop, the finish line celebration, or even our volunteer t-shirts ensures our rides run smoothly and professionally. Event underwriting allows us to direct a greater portion of our fundraising proceeds to the therapy, education, and employment programs that our nonprofit partners provide. It’s a high-visibility opportunity to connect your brand with a positive, community-driven event.

For Service Provider Partners

If your organization provides services for individuals with autism and other disabilities, partnering with Bike to the Beach connects you directly with the families who need you most. Our Community Provider Partner Program is designed to build a strong, interconnected network of support. By joining us, you can increase your visibility, build trust within the community, and play an active role in a mission-driven event that shares your goals of empowering individuals and families.

Community Provider Partner Program

Our program is built to foster collaboration between service providers and the local disability community. We believe that by working together, we can create a more comprehensive support system for families. This partnership helps connect individuals with essential resources like therapy, educational programs, and wellness services. It’s an opportunity to become a trusted part of a larger network dedicated to creating positive outcomes and helping people find the support they need to succeed.

Local Service Provider Partnership

Elevate your organization’s visibility by joining our Local Service Provider Partnership for a $700 contribution. This tier includes all the benefits of our free program, plus prominent logo placement on our website, event signage, and printed materials. This partnership puts your name in front of thousands of engaged community members, including riders, volunteers, and families actively seeking resources. It’s an effective way to show your commitment while reaching a highly relevant audience.

Provider Network Membership

For maximum exposure and connection, our Provider Network Membership offers premier benefits. This paid tier includes all the advantages of the Local Service Provider Partnership and secures your organization a featured spot in our exclusive Provider Network Directory. This directory is a go-to resource for families looking for trusted, high-quality service providers in their area. Your membership signals you as a key partner in the local disability community and a leader in your field.

Make Your Miles Matter

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

I’m not a serious cyclist. Can I still participate in a Bike to the Beach ride? Absolutely. Our rides are designed for people of all skill levels, not just experienced cyclists. With 25, 50, and 100-mile options, you can choose a distance that feels right for you. The goal is to come together for a shared cause, so the atmosphere is all about encouragement and community, not competition.

Where does the money I raise actually go? Every dollar you raise stays right in your local community. We partner with local autism and disability nonprofits in each ride region, so your fundraising directly supports programs like job training, therapy services, and family resources for your neighbors. It’s a model designed to create tangible, on-the-ground impact where it matters most.

What exactly does a “fully supported” ride include? “Fully supported” means we take care of all the logistics so you can focus on your ride. This includes clearly marked routes, frequent rest stops stocked with snacks and drinks, and support vehicles along the course to help with mechanical issues or give you a lift if you need a break. Our amazing volunteers are also there to cheer you on from start to finish.

I can’t ride, but I still want to help. What are my options? There are many ways to be part of the Bike to the Beach community without getting on a bike. You can sign up as a volunteer to help make ride day a success, which is a fun and essential role. You can also donate directly to a rider or team to help them reach their fundraising goal, or explore our sponsorship opportunities for businesses.

Why is the focus on local fundraising instead of a national organization? We believe that the most meaningful change happens when a community rallies together. By keeping all funds in the region where they are raised, we help strengthen the local support network for individuals and families impacted by autism and other disabilities. This approach ensures your efforts directly empower the people around you and build a more connected community right at home.

Key Takeaways

Action and support create opportunity: Collette Divitto’s story shows what’s possible when personal ambition meets community support. By participating in Bike to the Beach, you help fund the local programs that empower more individuals to achieve their goals.
Your impact is local: Every dollar you raise stays directly in your region to support local nonprofit partners. This model ensures your efforts create tangible change for the autism and disability communities right where you live.
There are many ways to get involved: You don’t have to be a century rider to make a difference. With multiple ride distances, volunteer roles, and sponsorship opportunities, there is a place for everyone to contribute to the mission.

More Than a Ride: Inside the Bike to the Beach Company