World’s Most Successful Athletic Fundraiser Pan-Mass Challenge Celebrates Milestone 40th Ride
PRNewswire, 03 August 2019
Today, the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) embarked on its 40th ride, with more than 6,700 cyclists from 43 states and 12 countries committing to pedal various distances across Massachusetts throughout the weekend. These cyclists are coming together with the common goal of raising an unprecedented $60 million – $4 million more than last year’s gift – for cancer research and patient care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (Dana-Farber). If achieved, Overstock.com CEO and PMC rider, Patrick Byrne, has pledged an additional $1 million donation to the cause, bringing the organization’s 40-year contribution to more than $715 million. The PMC, which raises more money for charity than any other single athletic event, donates 100 percent of every rider-raised dollar directly to Dana-Farber as its largest single contributor, accounting for more than 54 percent of the annual revenue of its Jimmy Fund.
Each year, the PMC attracts cyclists ranging in age from 13 to 88 raising critical funding for cancer research and care. Riders choose from 12 routes of varying distance and fundraising commitments, starting from the Sunday morning 25-mile ride all the way up to the organization’s hallmark, two-day 192-mile journey, passing through 47 towns across Massachusetts. Many cycle to honor a family member or friend lost to, or being treated for, cancer, and at the heart of the PMC community are more than 950 PMC riders and volunteers that are cancer survivors or current patients themselves, considered “Living Proof” of the organization’s spirit and mission.
