Two-year total surpasses $12.3 million
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Nov. 29, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- On August 21 and 22, 4,047 riders rode over 328,000 miles to raise money for cancer research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute. During the first quarter break of the Ohio State vs. Michigan game, Pelotonia presented a check for $7,846,705. The funds raised by the Riders in 2010 bring Pelotonia's two-year total to over $12.3 million.
"We are thrilled with the fundraising results of our second ride," said Tom Lennox, Pelotonia executive director. "The success of this annual experience is driven by our Riders, Volunteers and their supporters who understand the importance of funding innovative cancer research. Our community has the passion and willpower to cure cancer and there are no better researchers to fund than those at The Ohio State Comprehensive Cancer Center. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in 2011 to continue that fight."
Thanks to Pelotonia's funding partners, including Huntington Bank, Limited Brands Foundation, Richard and Peggy Santulli, American Electric Power Foundation, Nationwide Insurance and Chemical Abstracts Service, 100% of the $7.8 million will go directly to cancer research.
"The success over the last two years has been inspiring not only to me but to the entire community," said Dr. Michael Caligiuri, director of The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center and CEO of the James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute. "Funds raised by Pelotonia Riders help Ohio State researchers - some of the world's brightest minds in cancer - understand, prevent and cure cancer right here in central Ohio. We are making real progress on the frontiers of discovery, and together, we will realize our shared vision for a cancer-free world. On behalf of the thousands of Ohio State researchers, oncologists, faculty and staff who work every day to bring us closer to a world without cancer, thank you for riding, for volunteering and for donating to Pelotonia."
Pelotonia is supported by 1,600 Volunteers who dedicate their weekend to ensuring an enjoyable and rewarding weekend for the Riders. This year's 4,047 Riders were supported by over 63,000 donors from around the world.
"Pelotonia's remarkable and growing success is a testament to the power of collaboration and our common determination to discover a cure for cancer," said E. Gordon Gee, president of The Ohio State University. "The event has quickly become a celebration of courage and tenacity that extends well beyond the University, the community and the state. To my mind, Pelotonia is nothing less than a public confirmation of the human spirit. I am enormously grateful for the good work and tangible progress it makes possible."
For more information about Pelotonia, visit www.pelotonia.org.
About Pelotonia
Pelotonia's mission is to fund life-saving cancer research. Pelotonia is a three-day experience that includes a weekend of cycling, entertainment and volunteerism. Thanks to its generous sponsors, Huntington Bank, Limited Brands Foundation, Richard and Peggy Santulli, American Electric Power Foundation, Nationwide Insurance and Chemical Abstracts Service, Pelotonia is able to direct 100 percent of every dollar raised to cancer research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute.