Over 3,500 individuals go the distance to surpass fundraising goals and help save lives

(BUFFALO, NY) The Ride For Roswell is quite literally on a roll. The fundraising event, presented by Wegmans, drew together a record-setting 3,500 cyclists and 500 volunteers this Saturday, June 24, and went beyond all expectations to raise over $1.1 million for the cause. The money will help fuel breakthroughs to find cures at Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI), while also supporting patient care and quality of life programs.

The fundraising results represent a 26% increase from last year’s event ($871,000)—the result of riders’ personal fundraising efforts honoring family members, friends and others touched by cancer. Many cancer survivors also were present and taking part in routes ranging from 9 to 62.5 miles.

According to Mitch Flynn, a Roswell Park Alliance Community Advisory Board volunteer, who founded the event and co-chaired again this year, there were 280 teams this year contributing to the success. Among the top teams represented were Roswell Park’s faculty, staff and Ride committee members—128 riders in all—who raised $48,343. The University at Buffalo, RPCI’s Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus collaborative partner, also fielded a top stand out team with 130 riders, who together raised $43,950.

Dr. Donald Trump, RPCI’s Senior Vice President for Clinical Affairs, joined Flynn and others in making the grand total announcement following a picnic lunch and awards program. The news was received with a thundering of applause and cheers from the riders, volunteers and family members present along the banks of UB’s Lake LaSalle.

“We are incredibly grateful to have this kind of community support backing our day-to-day efforts to save lives,” said Dr. Trump. “By acting as flexible funding to jump-start the most promising new research, Ride funds help us to gain the lab results we need to competitively apply for additional national funding. These are projects that show the greatest potential to help end cancer. Our riders, donors and volunteers have truly gone the extra mile… and that effort continues to make a measurable and very personal difference for our patients and their families.”

Watch for additional information and photos soon at www.RideForRoswell.org. To get involved in planning next year’s event, call Lynsey Zimdahl at (716) 845-3889, or email lynsey.zimdahl@roswellpark.org.