Pun-Mass Challenge 2018: Cycling for a Cause
- By Alex Dembitzer
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- 06 Aug, 2018
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We are happy to support our friend and colleague Jon Zich on his completion of the Pan-Mass Challenge for the fourth year in a row. Very proud of him for being a participant of such an important cause.
PMC's Mission: Until we find a cure
The Pan-Mass Challenge raises money for life-saving cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through an annual bike-a-thon that crosses the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Since its founding in 1980, the PMC has successfully melded support from committed cyclists, volunteers, corporate sponsors and individual contributors. All are essential to the PMC's goal and model: to attain maximum fundraising efficiency while increasing its annual gift. Our hope and aspiration is to provide Dana-Farber's doctors and researchers with the necessary resources to discover cures for all cancers.
Click here to learn more about the Impact of PMC fundraising at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
The PMC Philosophy:
While today there are many athletic fundraising events, the PMC channels 100% of every rider-raised dollar directly to the Jimmy Fund. It's the most successful fundraising event for charity in the nation, and also among the leanest.
Billy Starr's commitment to running such an efficient non-profit organization is a testament to his savvy business skills, his organizational fortitude, and his determination that all PMC riders take their fundraising commitment to the event as seriously as their physical commitment.
This summer, each cyclist will commit to raising between $600 and $8,000 for the privilege of being a member of the PMC team. However, 90 percent of all PMCers exceed the minimum fundraising contribution, and one-third raise more than twice the amount required.
With equal commitment, the PMC relies upon thousands of volunteers to orchestrate the three-day event. From mapping the route to constructing water stops to ensuring medical attention and safety for thousands, 4,000 PMC volunteers commit their time, resources and energy to the event, without financial compensation. This team effort is a product of the PMC's philosophy of success: those who commit themselves in full are those who achieve results.
The Northern Charitable Foundation made a pledge to the Airborne and Special Operations Museum (ASOM) located in Fayetteville, North Carolina. "Most importantly, we are extremely proud to have the opportunity to support our troops”, Janos added. The ASOM is dedicated to honoring and preserving the heroic feats of the United States Army Airborne and Special Operations troops who have contributed so much to defend our nation’s interests.
The Northern Charitable
Foundation is proud to sponsor the 2018 Wheels of Love in Israel on behalf
of the ALYN Hospital- Israel’s only children orthopedic rehab hospital.I have participated personally on the ride several times and have greatly enjoyed it. Also, I have visited the ALYN Hospital and have personally seen the amazing work they do for all citizens of Israel.
WHEELS OF LOVE is the ALYN Hospital’s largest annual fundraiser. This event is so much more than just a bike ride….it is an annual reunion of old friends from around the world as well as a meet-up of new people. The annual bike ride brings together Americans, Canadians, Israelis and Europeans who are all passionate about Israel, children and cycling. The ride is a five day moving caravan of love and hope. The money raised through the ride helps offset the staggering shortfall the Hospital has because the amount reimbursed from health insurance lags far behind the actual cost of ALYN’s life changing care. The 2018 goal is to raise $3,000,000. We will reach it gift by gift; just as the ALYN children reach their goals step by step.
To learn more about ALYN Hospital's mission and how to get involved, please visit their website here.
The NCF is proud of its efforts to help families and patients cope with Alzheimer’s disease. Our work with The Zipporah Fried Alzheimers Center has helped thousands of families and caregivers in Israel through personal consultations with a consultant, seminars for caregivers, lectures by medical experts and workshops. The center is named after Alex Dembitzer’ grandmother that suffered from Alzheimer's for many years.
There are more than 5 million people living with Alzheimer's disease and dementia in the United States. It is estimated that Alzheimer's disease accounts for 60-80 percent of all dementia cases. Alzheimer’s kills more people than breast and prostate cancer combined. The total cost of caring for those in the United States with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias is estimated at 259 billion dollars in 2017. Alzheimer's disease is a slow, progressive disorder of the brain that results in loss of memory and other cognitive function and, eventually death.
