Pan-Mass Challenge

[newfsmith]

The Pan-Mass Challenge last year raised $20 million, the goal for this year is $21 million. The 2 day ride is already closed, but I managed to get on the one day Wellesley to Bourne ride. http://www.pmc.org/mypmc/profiles.as...eGiftID=JS0417

The Challenge give 97% of money donated to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Jimmy Fund, raising almost 50% of the Jimmy Fund's donations.

[massbikebabe]

News...

Hubby and I did the 2 day several years ago, now we focus on the MS 150. I just think the PMC asks an awful lot of it's fundraisers, especially since there have been questions about the management. But what the hell, it's still a great ride and enjoy yourself...

karen

[DeniseGoldberg]

I can't say anything about the management of the Pan-Mass Challenge, but I did look up the Jimmy Fund / Dana Farber Cancer Institute on Charity Navigator, and Dana Farber is rated as a 4-star charity (which is the highest star rating).

I've been using Charity Navigator to check out organizations before giving them money. Their stated purpose from their home page, for whatever it's worth - "Charity Navigator, America's premier independent charity evaluator, works to advance a more efficient and responsive philanthropic marketplace by evaluating the financial health of America's largest charities.".

--- Denise

[mainerider]

This will be my 7th year riding the PMC. The fundraising is a challenge. The first year the minimum was $1300, now it is $3000. Fortunately family and friends continue to be generous every year. But as the minimum increases I do stress about it especially because my letters seem to go out later and later every year (you would think I'd have a better system in place by now).

But I continue to ride the ride because I am a breast cancer patient at Dana Farber (currently 8 year survivor). The Institute is an incredible place. You can feel the "pulse" of the place as soon as you walk in. Doctors, nurses, staff all ride the PMC too, I usually bump into my oncologist several times during the weekend.

By taking part in the ride I feel I'm doing my part to fight cancer. The impact of the ride towards finding a cure is huge, over $120 million raised in 25 years. Every year we have guest speakers that have been treated at Dana Farber or physicians that are finding better ways to treat cancer and it is very motivating for me.

The ride is well supported through the entire weekend. My husband volunteers both Saturday and Sunday at the water stops and gets as much satisfaction as I do. It is one of the best weekends of the year.

Registration begins in January each year. Check it out: www.pmc.org

Maureen

[DeniseGoldberg]

Jean & Maureen -
I'm sending good wishes your way for the ride this weekend. The current forecast looks good, so I also hope that the weather wizard will continue cooperating!

--- Denise

[SpinSis]

Thanks ladies for doing the PanMass. I work at another cancer center in town and the benefits of the ride transcend money--the high visibility of the riders' dedication and work is an inspiration for people undergoing treatments, their family and friends, survivors (like Mainerider) and for health care providers alike!

Good luck!

ps. this is the most Northeast/New England based postings that I've seen thus far in a thread (but I'm still new to the board!)