PMC wraps up 2011 with a $35 million donation

Tonight, PMCers will gather at Fenway Park to celebrate a remarkable year and a milestone donation to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The Pan-Massachusetts Challenge announced today that it has raised $35 million for cancer care and research. A ceremonial check will be presented to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's president Dr. Ed Benz at tonight's event. Also tonight, PMCers will hear from Lisa Scherber. As many of you know, Scherber (a 9-year rider) is known as the Play Lady at the Jimmy Fund Clinic. She also knows the direct impact PMC money has on helping children get through grueling cancer treatment. Money raised through the PMC, including by Scherber's team Reindeers On A Ride, help to pay for programs including trips, holiday parties and special events for youth at the Jimmy Fund Clinic. The PMC donation to DFCI will also fund innovative research and cancer care programs throughout the hospital. The amazing sum was raised thanks to the 5,169 dedicated riders, 3,100 volunteers, and hundreds of sponsors. In its 32 year history, the PMC has donated $338 million to Dana-Farber. Registration for PMC 2012 begins in January!

The 2011 Start

Here's the full announcement from the PMC:

Pan-Massachusetts Challenge donates $35 million to Jimmy Fund

Over one-third of a billion dollars given over 32 years

BOSTON–– The 2011 Pan-Massachusetts Challenge (PMC) raised $35 million for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and its Jimmy Fund. The 2011 fundraising total is $2 million, or 5.7 percent, more than the PMC gave in 2010 and brings its 32-year Jimmy Fund contribution to $338 million. Tonight, PMC Founder and Executive Director, Billy Starr, will present a ceremonial check to Dana-Farber President Edward J. Benz, Jr., MD at aFenwayParkcelebration that will be attended by more than 600 PMC cyclists and volunteers. The PMC is the most successful athletic fundraising event in the nation; it raises and contributes more money to charity than any other. The 2011 PMC exceeded its own fundraising goal of $34 million by $1 million. "PMC riders are committed to the cause and to this event," said Billy Starr, PMC founder and executive director. "Their dedication to raising money for cancer research is unparalleled in the fundraising industry." The contribution represents 100 percent of every rider-raised dollar, a charity pass-through rate that is nearly unparalleled within the athletic fundraising event industry. Approximately 3,100 volunteers and 200 companies supplying almost $5 million in products and services provided riders with food, mechanical and medical assistance, luggage transport and support of all kinds Last August, 5,169 cyclists from eight countries and 37 states rode one of 11 routes that ranged from 25 to 190 miles. Riders included seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, Massachusetts Senators John Kerry and Scott Brown, 350 cancer survivors, and avid cyclists and weekend warriors alike. Many rode in support of loved ones being treated for cancer or in memory of those who have been lost to the disease. "PMC money is seed money that enables our scientists to conduct the earliest forms of research," Benz said. "The money they raise is critical to our work. It enables us to invest in major new patient care and research initiatives that could otherwise go unfunded." Founded in 1980 when 36 cyclists rode acrossMassachusettsand raised $10,200 for the Jimmy Fund, the PMC is known today as the "gold standard" of athletic fundraising events due to the unprecedented sums it raises and its consistently efficient charity pass-through rate. One of the very first athletic fundraising events in the nation, the PMC was a pioneer in the way it focused on raising money for charity. The 33rd annual PMC is set for Aug. 4 and 5, 2012. Registration opens online on Jan. 10 for PMC alumni and Jan. 17 for newcomers. For more information about the PMC, which is presented by the Boston Red Sox Foundation and New Balance, visit www.pmc.org.

Several hundred PMCers stopped by the PMC open house yesterday to pick up their Heavy Hitter gift (for cyclists who reached the Heavy Hitter fundraising goal of $6,400) and purchase discounted PMC 2011 gear.

Riders and volunteers at the PMC Open House Wednesday

You can still stop by the PMC office during business hours to pick up your Heavy Hitter gift or purchase PMC merchandise. All PMC gear is on sale at 40 to 70 percent off. This year's gift is an exclusive PMC back pack designed by New Balance.

New Balance PMC Backpack

We are just three weeks away from the annual check presentation announcement at Fenway Park where the PMC will unveil this year's donation to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Get your tickets now for the PMC annual check presentation celebration on 11/11/11 at Fenway Park.