February 16, 2005
Thousands of Volunteers Support the
Pan-Massachusetts Challenge
Aug. 6 and 7
The Pan-Massachusetts Challenge (PMC), the most successful athletic fundraiser in the nation, will be supported by more than 2,000 volunteers on Aug. 6 and 7. PMC volunteers go the extra mile by helping with setup, luggage transport, registration, medical support, bike mechanics, security, food service, and clean-up during the two-day bike-a-thon that spans 192 miles across the Commonwealth and raises money for cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through its Jimmy Fund. The PMC, presented by the Boston Red Sox, draws 4,000 cyclists from 35 states and six countries.
Massage, occupational, and physical therapists are also needed to massage the muscles of thousands of weary cyclists. The greatest need for volunteers are with the bike, medical, massage, and site beautification crews.
The tens of thousands of hours that volunteers contribute to the PMC year- round, and over event weekend, help the PMC keep its operating expenses low. Last year, the PMC contributed 97 cents of every dollar raised directly to cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through its Jimmy Fund. The PMC has raised more than $122 million over the past 25 years and the goal this year is to raise an additional $21 million.
"Volunteers are an army of goodwill," says Billy Starr, PMC founder and executive director. "They are the heart and soul of the PMC and help us contribute so much to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute."
Volunteers who work before event weekend or on the first day of the event, Aug. 6, have the option of riding on Aug. 7, the second day of the event, from Bourne to the Wellesley finish. In addition to working for the event, volunteers must also raise a minimum of $1,000 in order to ride on the second day.
PMC Volunteer Stats
- More than 2,000 volunteers devote their time and energy to the PMC
- 53 percent of volunteers are close to someone who has battled cancer
- 151 volunteers are cancer survivors
- PMC volunteers range in age from 13 to 89
- There is one volunteer for every two riders
About the PMC
The 26th annual Pan-Massachusetts Challenge (PMC), presented by the Boston Red Sox, will be held on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 6 and 7. Open to 4,000 cyclists, the PMC raises funds for cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through its Jimmy Fund. Cyclists can choose from six one- or two-day routes, logging between 89 and 192 miles in Massachusetts. Minimum fundraising requirements range from $2,000 to $3,000, depending upon the route chosen. The registration fee is $150. Support services, meals, and overnight accommodations are provided. For more information, or to register, visit www.pmc.org, or call (800) WE-CYCLE.
