CELORON, N.Y. — On Saturday, July 21 the Southwestern Schools Education Foundation along with HollyLoft Ski and Bike, and Seneca Eye Surgeons, will present the first annual Cycle Chautauqua Bike Tour. All proceeds from this event will benefit the Southwestern Schools Education Foundation Fund at the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation and other school initiatives.

For $25 riders may choose from one of three specially designed trails: a 43 mile ride around Chautauqua Lake; a 23 mile ride around half of Chautauqua Lake, which crosses at the Bemus-Stow Ferry; or a 12 mile local ride from Celoron to Vukote and back. All rides begin and end at Lucille Ball Memorial Park in Celoron, N.Y.

Individuals looking to participate in the tour may register online at www.cyclechautauqua.com. Local businesses interested in sponsoring a rest stop or donating fresh fruit, energy bars or drinks may also visit the website for more information.

While this is the first bicycling event, the Education Foundation has hosted a number of successful events to raise money for school initiatives. In the past, money has gone into student scholarships, teacher innovation grants, science labs, athletic and musical projects, and growth for the long term endowment fund at Southwestern Central School. By partnering with the Community Foundation, donations made to this fund are completely tax deductible.

For more information about the work being done by the Education Foundation, visit their website at www.swcsfoundation.org.For more information about establishing an endowment fund or supporting one that is already in place, contact the Community Foundation at 661-3390 or visit online at www.crcfonline.org.