Meet Amy Bresky, the First PMC Volunteer and ready for number 35

Amy Bresky, 61, who splits her time between West Newbury, Mass. and Southern Pines, N.C., has helped the PMC for more than half her life. She was the annual bike-a-thon’s first volunteer and continues to volunteer….35 years later. 

“When the PMC started, there were no other cycling events around,” says Bresky, as she reflects on the early days of an event that is now the most successful athletic fundraising event in the country. “Billy (PMC Founder) asked everyone if they could help, and I said yes. It was just us and a couple of other people. We made it all up and had to figure out how to support the bike-a-thon as we went along.”

As the event has grown, so has the amount of volunteers, cyclists, communication, rider services, food and fundraising dollars. In the beginning, there were only three volunteers. Thirty five years later, and that number has increased to an astounding committed 3,300 volunteers whose year-round efforts continue to make PMC weekend possible. 

Bresky, like many PMC volunteers and staff, works behind the scenes. These days, she volunteers on the Thursday and Friday before PMC weekend putting up all of the signs in the MMA dorms and training ship where hundreds of riders sleep on Saturday night.  

“You hear of so many bad things going on in the world, it can be disheartening,” says Bresky. “Working for a cause as great as the PMC, you meet so many remarkable generous people. The PMC has such a positive impact, you are reminded of how much good there really is out there. I am honored to be a part of the PMC family and mission.”

From assisting with rider registration, medical support and bike repairs to providing luggage transportation, security, food service, event set-up and clean-up, there is no task too big or too small that doesn’t help to drive the PMC engine toward an unprecedented $40 million goal.

To join Bresky and register to volunteer in the 35th annual Pan-Mass Challenge, which is set for Aug. 2 and 3, visit www.pmc.org. 

During PMC weekend, volunteers of various professional backgrounds assist riders along the PMC route. Pictured is one of the massage, occupational, and physical therapists who helps to rub the sore bodies of cyclists when the first day of the event concludes at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy in Bourne. Over the years, Amy Bresky has assisted with various responsibilities at MMA.

Post courtesy of Allison at Teak Media + Communication