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Pan-Mass Challenge Organizer Optimistic about Exceeding $31 Million Goal

Author: Pan-Mass Challenge

Published Date: August 12, 2010

Topic: Press Releases

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PMC News from the media center:

5,100 cyclists rode up to 190 miles in 31st annual PMC

NEEDHAM, Mass. — The 31st annual Pan-Massachusetts Challenge was an incredible success for the 5,100 cyclists who rode, the 3,000 volunteers whose work made everything run smoothly, and for the tens of thousands of cancer patients around the globe who will benefit from the millions of dollars raised for research and treatment. On August 7 and 8, cyclists from 34 states and six countries rode one of ten routes ranging from 47 to 190 miles. Their goal was to raise $31 million for cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through its Jimmy Fund and bring the PMC's 31-year Jimmy Fund contribution to $301 million. On November 12, the PMC will present its 2010 contribution to Dana-Farber. "Fundraising dollars continue to come in and we are optimistic about exceeding the $31 million goal set last winter," said PMC Founder and Executive Director Billy Starr. "The PMC brings out the best in everyone. When you multiply all that's good about humanity by 10,000 people, the results can't help but be positive." On PMC weekend, individual cyclists became part of one family, unified in a single cause. They range in age from 13 to 86 years and are from all walks of life, from police officers to stay-at-home mothers to corporate CEOs. The PMC is for seasoned athletes and cycling newcomers who are unified by the single goal of raising money for cancer research and treatment. The PMC is all about heart and soul, hope and health. Doctors ride along side their patients; grandparents bike with their grandchildren; and nearly everyone rides on behalf of loved ones lost to, or in treatment for, cancer. More than 300 riders are cancer survivors or current patients. During PMC weekend, thousands of volunteers filled dozens of roles, some of which are typically paid positions. From organizing luggage and unloading trucks to cooking meals and manning water stops, PMC volunteers enhance the event's culture of giving. Thousands more line the roads along the PMC's 10 routes, holding signs, passing out water, and thanking cyclists for riding. No other single athletic event raises or contributes more money to charity than the PMC. Since 1980, the PMC has raised $270 million for cancer research and care at Dana-Farber through its Jimmy Fund. The PMC gives 100 percent of every rider-raised dollar directly to the Jimmy Fund, a rate of fundraising that is nearly unequaled within the $3 billion athletic fundraising event industry. The PMC generates more than 50 percent of the Jimmy Fund's annual revenue and is its largest single contributor. The PMC is presented by the Red Sox Foundation and the New Balance Foundation. The 32nd annual PMC is scheduled for August 6 and 7, 2011. Registration will open in January through www.pmc.org.

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