Pan-Mass Challenge raises $35 million for Dana-Farber

November 6, 2008 06:00 PM Email| Comments (6)| Text size – +

By Anne Baker, Globe Correspondent

Riders in the Pan-Mass Challenge did a lot of pedaling this year -- and a record amount of fund raising.

The charity bike event is turning over a $35 million check to the Jimmy Fund tonight, the largest donation from a single event ever made to the fund, which pays for cancer research and treatment.

“It’s amazing. I’ve been here 20 years, and it’s phenomenal,” said Suzanne Fountain, director of the fund, which supports the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. “They continue to be so supportive of Dana-Farber yet again, and the money they give us is so critical.”

With 5,300 riders, the PMC raised $2 million more with its weekend bike ride than the previous year, bringing the funds raised by the charity to more than $239 million, said PMC founder Billy Star.

Star, who lost his mother to cancer in the 1970s, said he started the event in 1980. With its 30th anniversary looming next year, Star said the event keeps gaining traction.

“The fidelity to the event and the commitment to the fundraising is a premium,” he said.

Star has ridden in the event since its founding and has personally raised more than $1 million, he said.

This year’s challenge took place Aug. 2 and 3, Jackie Herskovitz, a PMC spokeswoman said.

There are seven routes riders can take, the longest being 190 miles across the state. Riders are required to raise between $1,300 and $4,000, depending on their chosen route. Ninety percent of the participants raised more than required, she said.

Star said that despite a faltering economy that makes it harder for people to donate, he remains confident people will continue to give to the Jimmy Fund and participate in the fund raising ride.

“Whatever the economy brings, we’ll be out there on the road,” he said.

» Back to Front Page

6 comments so far...

This story is incomplete without disclosing the gross vs. net. What is the salary paid to Mr. Starr and other PMC "executives?" Readers would want to know what pct. of every dollar donated actually gets to the Jimmy Fund.

Posted by cmon fulldisclosure November 6, 08 08:31 PM

The Jimmy Fund nets an extraordinarily large percentage of PMC donations. In 2007 it was 100% of rider-raised funds. Riders pay a significant registration fee ($175) that covers certain administrative costs, and in-kind donations make up the difference. I've been a PMC rider since 2000, and I think the lowest % I recall was 92 or 93%. It has been steadily increasing - quite a feat given the scale the event has reached.

Posted by Tracy November 6, 08 10:10 PM

Last year 100% of the donations went to the Jimmy Fund. The overhead is covered by sponsors like Overstock.com or the Red Sox a couple of years ago.

Posted by Danny November 6, 08 10:20 PM

100% of every rider raised dollar, that is $35 million this year, goes directly to the Jimmy Fund.

Posted by 3 time rider November 6, 08 10:22 PM

I haven't seen this year's stats but last year 100% of funds raised by riders went to Dana Farber. The PMC charges a registration fee to all riders and takes on corporate sponsorships and, I assume, salaries come from these funds. Compared to most large scale fundraising events the PMC ranks at the top. I'm about to sign on for my fourth ride next year and given the quality of the event and the money it raises Billy Starr and his staff earn every penny of their salaries, whatever they are.

Posted by waban jeff November 6, 08 10:25 PM

Hey "CMON FULLDISCLOSURE"...

"This is the second straight year the PMC has been able to contribute 100 percent of every rider-raised dollar to the cause. Presenting sponsors, Boston Red Sox Foundation and Overstock.com, along with 200 other corporate sponsors, underwrite the cost of producing the event and provide in-kind contributions of goods and services. In addition, 2,800 volunteers work throughout the year and during PMC weekend, fulfilling many roles that are typically paid positions." Is that good enough for you? No need to be so cynical

Posted by Matt November 6, 08 11:30 PM