Inspiring Young Cyclists to Wear Helmets And Support Pan-Mass Challenge Kids Rides
Can adding flair to kids' cycling helmets help raise money for cancer research? The makers of Helmtops are counting on it by donating more than 1,500 helmet designs to young cyclists of the Pan-Massachusetts Challenge Kids Rides program.
Online, June 1, 2010 (Newswire.com) - This summer, the Pan-Massachusetts Challenge Kids Ride program will hold 35 mini-bike-a-thons in neighborhoods throughout New England and beyond. Nearly 6,000 cyclists between the ages of two and 15 will ride between 1 and 26 miles to raise money for cancer care and research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
PMC Kids Rides are spokes in the PMC wheel, supporting more than 5,500 adult PMC cyclists in their mission to fund cancer research. The PMC is the two-day, 190-mile bike-a-thon held each August. Since 1980, the PMC has raised $270 million for the Jimmy Fund. PMC Kids Rides offer a way for children to become part of the PMC mission, involving young people in volunteerism and fundraising in a safe and athletic way. To date the PMC Kids Rids program has raised more than $2.3 million for the Pan-Mass Challenge.
In support of this cause, Helmtops - a new Boston-based company that makes soft helmet decorations that promote safety through expressions - is providing more than 1,500 registered riders with these unique decorative attachments that fit any bicycle helmet.
"We're excited to be a supporter of the PMC Kids Ride program. These events represent the true spirit of charitable giving and youth inspiration," said Gregg Mastoras Owner/Inventor of Helmtops. "We're supporting riders in Westwood, Natick, Newton, Brookline, Needham, Wellesley and Weston who are pedaling for the benefit of others demonstrating their commitment through physical fitness and safety."
To sponsor a cyclist or make a donation, visit http://www.kids.pmc.org or call 1-800-we-cycle.
About the PMC:
The Pan-Mass Challenge, an annual bike-a-thon, is a pioneer of the athletic fundraising industry and today raises more money for charity than any other single event in the country. The organization was founded in 1980 and has since raised $270 million for cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through its Jimmy Fund. The PMC is a model of fundraising efficiency. In 2009, for the third consecutive year, the PMC donated 100 percent of every rider-raised dollar directly to the cause. The PMC generates more than half of the Jimmy Fund's annual revenue and it is Dana-Farber's single largest contributor. Over 250,000 individual contributions were made to last year's fundraising campaign.
About Helmtops:
Helmtops was created on the idea that it's easier to get children to wear bike helmets if they could personalize them with their own with distinct decorations. Helmtops are sold in over a dozen stores throughout New England. For more information visit: http://www.helmtops.com