Friday, April 03, 2009
Cyclists Team Up to Kick Off The Ride For Roswell 2009
Riders, teams, volunteers and sponsors encouraged to support June 27 event
(BUFFALO, NY) Team captains and top fundraisers today gathered to celebrate the kick-off event for The Ride For Roswell 2009, presented by Wegmans and Wellness Sponsor Praxair, at Roswell Park Cancer Institute. New and returning riders, volunteers and supporters are encouraged to again join The Ride and raise funds in support of cancer research and patient care programs. Last year’s Ride raised $2 million for Roswell Park.
More than 8,500 riders, volunteers and supporters are expected to attend The Ride For Roswell 2009 on Saturday, June 27 at the University at Buffalo’s Baird Point in Amherst. Eight routes are available, including the 12-mile Peloton ride, sponsored by Sahlen’s, that travels from Roswell Park to UB, and a brand-new 3-mile “Family Fun Ride” ideal for families with trailers, kids’ bike seats and tricycles. The Ride For Roswell is Upstate New York’s largest one-day biking event.
Individuals of any age are encouraged to register, or to form teams of at least four members. Tips and tools are provided on www.RideForRoswell.org to make fundraising easy, including customizable Web pages, letters and support materials. Learn more fundraising tips and share advice with other riders and volunteers at the Ride’s new social networking site www.RideConnect.org.
“The Ride is a great way for businesses, schools, families and community groups to make an impact for cancer research that will save lives,” said Mitch Flynn, founder and chair of The Ride. “More than ever, we depend on the support and dedication of riders, volunteers and donors from Western New York and across the country to help Roswell Park in its mission to cure cancer.”
Top fundraisers again can enjoy benefits as members of the Extra Mile Club. Anyone who raises at least $1,000 by the day of The Ride will enjoy rider privileges including preferred parking on Ride day and admission to the Extra Mile Club tent (which offers bike check-ups and adjustments, exclusive food selections, professional massages and more). Extra Mile Club members also receive access to invitation-only recognition events.
Those who cannot or choose not to ride on June 27 can still support Roswell Park by raising funds as a “virtual rider.” Virtual riders receive the same benefits as riders, including a Ride t-shirt, fundraising assistance, admission to the post-Ride picnic and party, and the opportunity to compete for top fundraising honors and prizes.
Register today (save $5 online) or read how-to tips and stories to help you fundraise or get a team started at www.RideforRoswell.org, or call 716-THE-RIDE. In-person presentations and recruitment kits also are available for any group interested in 2009 team participation. Current and prospective riders also can attend a Ride Rally, part of a series of community events held throughout Western New York this spring that will offer information, fundraising tips and the chance to meet other riders.
Other sponsors joining Wegmans, Praxair and Sahlen’s include Big Wheel Sponsors: Talking Phone Book, WGRZ-TV Channel 2, and the University at Buffalo; Breakaway Sponsors: Berrafato's Catering, New Era Cap Company, United Graphics, DuPont, New Buffalo Shirt Factory; FedEx Trade Networks, 97 Rock, 103.3 The Edge, and Mix 104.1; and 10 Speed Sponsors: Rich Products and Coca-Cola Bottling Co. of Buffalo.
The Roswell Park Alliance Foundation, founded in 1991, is a 501(C)(3) not-for-profit organization formed to receive and administer funds supporting scientific and clinical research, state-of-the-art medical care, and patient-related activities at Roswell Park Cancer Institute.
Roswell Park Cancer Institute, founded in 1898, is the nation’s first cancer research, treatment and education center. The Institute was one of the first cancer centers in the country to be named a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center and remains the only facility with this designation in Upstate New York. RPCI is a member of the prestigious National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an alliance of the nation’s leading cancer centers; maintains affiliate sites; and is a partner in national and international collaborative programs. For more information, visit RPCI’s website at www.roswellpark.org, call 1-877-ASK-RPCI (1-877-275-7724) or e-mail askrpci@roswellpark.org.
