On Sunday, June 8 the Mansion Ride for Autism on Nassau County's Gold Coast will celebrate its seventh anniversary. Cyclists of all levels will have their chance to raise autism awareness, as well as much-needed funds for a worthy charity, the non-profit Ascent School for Children with Autism. Through rolling hills and tree-lined streets, the Mansion Ride's rest areas are at famous public mansions on Long Island's Gold Coast, including Old Westbury Gardens, Cedarmere, Morgan Park, Bailey Arboretum, the Long Island Science Museum, and the Sands Point Preserve. Once homes and getaways to the rich and powerful on Long Island, these now public wonderlands continue their esteemed role in society by helping children in need and opening their gates for all supporters of this urgent cause.

Creator and co-chair of the Mansion Ride, Elaine Del Valle-Eskanazy, said, "It will be our seventh annual event, and we are so proud to announce that this year we have garnered the support of Nassau County's Parks and Recreation Department. We are now a part of the 'Healthy Nassau Initiative' and the only event of our kind to garner this support. What this means is that we will have even more mansions, and more cooperation from the county will make for an even greater Mansion Ride."

Mayor Ralph V. Suozzi said, " The City of Glen Cove is happy to be a small part of this greater effort to benefit the individuals with autism and their families. Our Gold Coast Heritage will be on display this day and we welcome the cyclists to our community every day. I also thank the Mansion Ride creators for their continued commitment to helping raise awareness and support for this population of our neighbors."

Over the years, the Mansion Ride has raised and donated $300,000 in support of the education and treatment of children with autism, 100 percent of all its proceeds.

Linda Finkel, Mansion Ride co-chair, said, "This year we hope to tip the scales past a half a million dollars in total donations since the inception of the ride. We know that's a big goal for our ride, which averages about $50K per year, but we feel that the added prize incentives for highest fundraisers will go a long way. We managed to get a stay at Gianni Versace's South Beach Florida mansion, among other great prizes. We hope our riders will be enthused by the opportunity to help a great cause and win a once-in-a-lifetime prize like this."

Ms. Finkel added, "All the proceeds from this event are donated to the charity. We are able to accomplish this through 100 percent volunteerism and participation from local businesses. It takes a lot of food to feed an estimated 1,000 riders through a 62-mile hilly journey, and we get it all donated. Just like the ride, we get a little from a lot of people and synergy takes over from there."

The Mansion Riders will take off at 7:45 a.m. on Sunday June 8. Registration is $35, but many choose to fundraise as well. Participants can choose from easy or challenging routes of 16, 40 or 62 miles. Each rest stop will be at a fabulous mansion and will feature donated food and drink.

Non-riders can support the cause by making a donation to Support-A-Rider. For complete details on how to contribute funds or participate in the ride, visit www.mansionride.com.