Pan-Mass Challenge Breaks Own Record

By Katy Jordan  |   Friday, November 7, 2008  

The Pan-Mass Challenge, already the national front-runner in fundraising, has topped its own record again, raking in $35 million for the Jimmy Fund this year, through its the annual 190-mile bike-a-thon.

The sum is the largest ever raised by an athletic fundraising event, as well as the largest gift ever received by the Jimmy Fund. It shatters last year’s amount by $2 million, despite very troubled economic times.

PMC executive director Billy Starr was among the riders who made it all happen. He said the amount represents half of the Jimmy Fund’s total annual revenue.

“It’s a priority, funding cancer research,” said the Pan-Mass Challenge founder. “And we will face our next challenge again next year.”

5,300 cyclists from 36 states and eight countries traveled the 190-mile course - including Massachusetts’ own re-elected Sen. John Kerry- and their gifts represent 100% of every rider’s raised dollar, according to the PMC.

Dana Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund were presented with the check at Harvard Medical School last night, in front of 500 cyclists, supporters, and volunteers.

Dana-Farber president Dr. Edward J. Benz, Jr. expressed much thanks at last night’s ceremonies, which was also attended by Red Sox[team stats]President Larry Lucchinoand musician Sarah Borges.

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