Community Corner
13 Watertown Residents Taking on the 2012 Pan-Mass Challenge
These local residents join the 5,500 participants looking to raise a combined $36 million for cancer research.
On August 4 and 5, 13 residents from Watertown will join the 5,500 cyclists pedaling their way into fundraising history as participants in the 33rd annual Pan-Massachusetts Challenge (PMC). This year, participants have a collective goal of raising $36 million to support adult and pediatric cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through the Jimmy Fund.
Most PMC participants ride in honor of a family member or friend lost to, or being treated for, cancer. All share a passion and desire to one day find a cure for the disease. The average PMC cyclist trains for three months, solicits 40 sponsors, and raises more than $6,000.
“The PMC is the gold standard of athletic fundraising events,” says Billy Starr, Pan-Massachusetts Challenge founder and executive director in a release. “PMCers are as committed to raising money for cancer research as they are to pedaling the miles. PMC cyclists are all heart and soul.”
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No other single athletic event raises or contributes more money to charity than the PMC, according to organizers. Since 1980, the PMC has raised $338 million for adult and pediatric cancer research and patient care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through the Jimmy Fund. The PMC gives 100 percent of every rider-raised dollar directly to the Jimmy Fund, PMC officials said, which no other fundraising event can boast.
The PMC is a fully supported bike-a-thon — with food and water stops, mechanical and medical assistance, luggage transportation, and lodging — that runs through 46 towns across Massachusetts. Cyclists can choose from 11 routes that vary from 25 to 110 miles.
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The PMC is presented by the Red Sox Foundation and the New Balance Foundation. To become a virtual rider, or make a financial contribution to a rider from your town, visit www.pmc.org, or call 800-WE-CYCLE. Checks can be made payable to PMC, 77 Fourth Ave., Needham, Mass. 02494.
Pan-Mass. Challenge Participants from Watertown:
Jamie Ames
Marc Barenholtz
Carol Bates
David Bates
Jeff Bergeron
Alison Berryman
Cristina Cresta
Kelly Devincentis
Glenn Gallo
Beth Goldman
Eric Lynch
Gerard Mulrooney
Phil Neighbors
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