Pan-Mass Challenge

[Scott]

Pan-Massachusetts Challenge Gives $35 Million to the Jimmy Fund

Pan-Massachusetts Challenge Gives $35 Million to the Jimmy Fund
Despite Economy, Sum Raised is $2 million more than in 2007

BOSTON (Thursday, Nov. 6, 2008, 6 p.m.) - The Pan-Massachusetts Challenge (PMC) raised a record-breaking $35 million for adult and pediatric cancer research and care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through its August cycling event, which is $2 million more than it raised last year.

The $35 million gift, announced by the organization tonight, is more than twice the amount ever raised for a charity by an athletic fundraising event in the country. It is the single largest contribution made to the Jimmy Fund, representing almost 50 percent of the charity's annual revenue.

"That the PMC exceeded its fundraising goal in this very troubled economy is a tribute to PMCers' commitment to raising money for cancer research and care," said Billy Starr, PMC founder and executive director. "It also shows that the importance of public and corporate funding for cancer research is widely understood."

The check was presented to Dana-Farber President Edward J. Benz, Jr., MD at a ceremony attended by 500 PMC cyclists and volunteers. The contribution represents 100 percent of every rider-raised dollar, a charity pass-through rate that is nearly unparalleled within the $1.64 billion athletic fundraising event industry. Since its 1980 inception, the PMC has raised and contributed more than $239 million to the Jimmy Fund. "The money the PMC raises is critical to our mission to eradicate cancer," says Dr. Benz. "It enables us to invest in major new patient care and research initiatives that could otherwise go unfunded."

In 2008, the PMC attracted 5,232 cycling fundraisers, about 300 more than last year. Riders came to Massachusetts from 36 states and eight countries. Each cyclist was required to raise between $1,300 and $4,000 to participate, depending on the chosen route. More than 90 percent of PMCers raised more money than they were required to, according to Starr. "Almost one-third of the pack raised twice as much, which is a testament to the PMC's fundraising culture," Starr said.

Founded in 1980 when 36 cyclists rode across Massachusetts and 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.

The PMC was among the very first athletic fundraising events in the nation and it was a pioneer in the way it focused on raising money for charity. While a handful of walks and rides were held to raise awareness about a cause, the PMC put fundraising first and continues to do so. Registrants must back their applications with credit cards to ensure their contribution commitments are met, whether they ride or not. The fundraising minimum increases considerably each year, yet the ride's most sought-after routes "sell out" by the first week in February, just weeks after registration opens.

[Scott]

The time has come for me to get serious about fundraising for the Pan-Mass Challenge!

It's fantastic that so many forum members are riding, running, and walking in the LIVESTRONG Challenge this year! Because of how much our participation has increased, I haven't been reporting on my fundraising progress as in year's past, although I'm as excited and committed as ever.

As for this year's new challenge, I have a $4,000 minimum fundraising requirement for the Pan-Mass Challenge: I must raise the money or pay the difference!

If you are able to contribute to help me keep that commitment, please click here.

[Scott]

Maybe someday we can do one of these extendeds together.

I almost let that slip by -- that would be great!

[Scott]

Hey it's never to early to plan.

One crazy step at a time! Eventually, I have to fit in RAGBRAI and Moab.

[dadmo]

Great Scott . Maybe someday we can do one of these extendeds together. Think PPRAC in 2009 or 2011. Hey it's never to early to plan.

[Scott]

Most of my fundraising appeals will be for the LIVESTRONG Challenge, but I need to reach the $4,000 minimum commitment for the 192-mile Pan-Mass Challenge, too.

"Our hope and aspiration is to provide Dana-Farber's doctors and researchers the necessary resources to discover cures for all cancers."

If you'd like to help me support Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, click this link. Thanks!

[nushawn]

2008 is the year! I'm officially registered as of six minutes ago.

Congratulations and good luck. I'm a 3 time rider myself but I'll be sitting out this year. I've been going back and forth on it but decided that the fundraising had become too much. You'll have a blast, of all the organized rides I've ever done the PMC is by far the most fun.

[Jay68442]

2008 is the year! I'm officially registered as of six minutes ago.

That's great Scott. You make us all proud with your continued commitment to the fight against cancer. Good luck in your training and I can't wait to hear about your experience.

[Scott]

Many of you probably know the Pan-Mass Challenge well. It's the nation's biggest cancer fundraising event. I just finished watching the opening ceremony, broadcast on NECN (New England Cable News). They'll be reporting from the road over the weekend.

I'd like to give that event a try one year soon! For this year, I'm sponsoring an old school friend and two neighbors.

2008 is the year! I'm officially registered as of six minutes ago.

[Fed]

Mellie Hutchinson, my LIVESTRONG Day advocate colleague from Hingham, MA is doing the PMC as I write. I had lunch with her a couple of days ago, and she was really excited about it. She does this and other fundraising events every single year.

[Scott]

Many of you probably know the Pan-Mass Challenge well. It's the nation's biggest cancer fundraising event. I just finished watching the opening ceremony, broadcast on NECN (New England Cable News). They'll be reporting from the road over the weekend.

I'd like to give that event a try one year soon! For this year, I'm sponsoring an old school friend and two neighbors.