Community Corner
PMC Kids Ride Raises $48,000 For Cancer Research
The PMC Kids ride in Westwood raised almost $50,000 with 500 bike riders involved on Sunday.
The rain held off on Sunday just long enough for the fourth annual PMC Kids Ride, which pulled in about $48,000 by the time the ride kicked off. The proceeds go to the Jimmy Fund and the Dana Farber Cancer Institute.
The ride started at Martha Jones School at 9 a.m., and involved three different courses, depending on the distance of the ride.
The Pan-Massachusetts Challenge was founded by Billy Starr and has raised over $303,000 towards cancer research. It is the number one athletic fundraiser, and according to PMC.org, it is the largest contributor to the Jimmy Fund and also the largest cycling fundraiser in the world.
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The Westwood ride was started by Denise Singleton and Krista Hobson four years ago. Singleton took pride in the effort of everyone involved in the ride, and noted that the $48,000 was the most raised by the day of the race.
The Gold Sponsors this year included Central Motors of Norwood and , having donated over $1,000. Dedham Savings donated $500.
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Singleton said that there were 35 “heavy hitters,” which were children who helped raise at least $250 and some close to $1000. She stressed that the donations don’t have to stop and that there is still plenty of time to become a “heavy hitter.” She made note that “pedal partner” and her brother Nicholas have raised over $1,200 so far.
“You guys should be proud of yourselves,” Singleton said during the closing ceremonies where she announced the heavy hitters.
With over 500 riders and 250 volunteers, Westwood’s ride is the largest of the year. Walk-in riders were accepted right up until the race for a $15 fee and a minimum donation of $50.
Meredith Starr, husband of Billy Starr who founded the race, said that the ride shows the character of the town of Westwood and she congratulated all who were involved.
“This is just amazing,” Starr said to the crowd after the race.
Mary Moody, a librarian at Martha Jones School, is a breast cancer survivor; students formed a team in honor of her. The students wore orange shirts like all of the other riders, but on the back it said “Moody’s Motivation.”
Moody was all smiles on Sunday, saying that she loved that the children put a team together in her name and that it is a great way for them to give back.
“This is a wonderful way for kids to be giving,” said Moody. “The kids are so driven.”
Throughout the morning, Mike 93.7 FM played music and people were offered refreshments, including Honest Aid samples, frozen ice cream, frozen lemonade and granola bars. Brian Fitzpatrick, wearing a Simon shirt, played Simon Says with both kids and adults.
Landry’s Bicycles was also present to give bike tune ups. The shop even donated a brand new bike which was given to “heavy hitter” Jack Kendall.
“Keep donating and you can be a heavy hitter, too” Kendall said.
