Charles River Apparel, a third-generation, family-owned leading apparel brand, is proud to announce its role as an Official Sponsor of the 2025 Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) and PMC Unpaved. This partnership underscores the company’s ongoing commitment to community engagement and supporting critical causes like cancer research and patient care.
The Pan-Mass Challenge is a bike-a-thon that raises more money for charity than any other single athletic fundraising event in the country, drawing thousands of cyclists from around the world. Since 1980, the PMC has raised over $1 billion for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, with 100 percent of every rider-raised dollar going directly to cancer research and patient care.
In addition to PMC weekend—held the first weekend of every August and spanning up to 186 miles across Massachusetts—PMC Unpaved offers a unique gravel-riding experience through the picturesque Berkshires each fall. Both events unite communities of passionate riders, volunteers, and donors around one shared goal: funding cures for cancer.
“We are incredibly honored to support the Pan-Mass Challenge and the powerful mission it represents,” said Barry Lipsett, CEO of Charles River Apparel. “Cancer has touched so many lives, including my own family. Partnering with the PMC is deeply personal for me, and it’s a meaningful way for all of us at Charles River Apparel to help advance the fight against this disease.”
Barry Lipsett has personally participated as a PMC rider for 20 years, embodying the company’s dedication to the cause. Over that time, he has raised more than $136,000 for the Pan-Mass Challenge, demonstrating a sustained and deep personal commitment to the event’s mission and the fight against cancer.
As an Official Sponsor, Charles River Apparel is contributing to both PMC weekend and PMC Unpaved, helping ensure the success of each event by supporting operational and fundraising initiatives. Through this partnership, Charles River Apparel joins a passionate network of cyclists, volunteers, and donors working together toward a world without cancer.
“The PMC is proud to welcome Charles River Apparel as an official sponsor in 2025,” said Billy Starr, Founder & Chairman of the Pan-Mass Challenge. “Their dedication to community and philanthropy aligns perfectly with our mission, and we’re grateful for their support as we get Closer By the Mile to cancer cures and treatments.”
Charles River Apparel is widely known not only for its high-quality lifestyle apparel, but also for its philanthropic efforts. The company’s Charles River Cares initiative reflects its long-standing commitment to giving back and supporting organizations that drive positive change.
For more information on Charles River Apparel, visit charlesriverapparel.com.
To learn more about the Pan-Mass Challenge and how to get involved, visit pmc.org.
Founded in 1983, Charles River Apparel is a leading supplier and recognized brand of New England-inspired outerwear and activewear for corporations, businesses, school teams, retail stores, athletic groups, college students, and more with over 13,000 distributors and retailers nationwide. The third-generation family-owned company is consistently recognized for its quality, style, value, and service as well as for its philanthropic efforts. Low minimums, decorating capabilities, and same-day shipping make Charles River Apparel a one-stop-shop for superior apparel and service. The company continues to be recognized as a top industry supplier (ASI Top 40, Promo Marketing Top 50). For more information, please visit www.charlesriverapparel.com.
The Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) is a bike-a-thon that today raises more money for charity than any other single athletic fundraising event in the world. The PMC was founded in 1980 by Billy Starr, who remains the event's Founder & Chairman, an annual cyclist, and a fundraiser. The PMC has since raised $1.047 billion for adult and pediatric patient care and research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through the Jimmy Fund. The event donates 100 percent of every rider-raised dollar directly to the cause, generating 66 percent of the Jimmy Fund's annual revenue as Dana-Farber's single largest contributor. The PMC has successfully melded support from committed cyclists, volunteers, corporate sponsors, and individual donors, all of whom are essential to the PMC's goal and model: to attain maximum fundraising efficiency while increasing its annual gift. The PMC's hope and aspiration is to provide Dana-Farber's doctors and researchers with the necessary resources to discover cures for all cancers. For more information on the Pan-Mass Challenge, visit www.pmc.org.
Contact
Emily Tosatti, Pan-Mass Challenge
emily.tosatti@porternovelli.com