You’ve seen the signs starting to pop up around Buffalo and Western New York: Ride for Roswell is coming up soon! But this year is a special milestone for the event, as it marks 30 years since the cycling fundraiser began.
Founded in 1996 by Mitch Flynn, Ride for Roswell is one of the nation’s largest one-day cycling fundraisers. Each year, the community gathers on the fourth Saturday of June to ride to end cancer, a powerful weekend that kicks off with a big party at the State University of Buffalo’s North Campus with the Celebration of Hope.
Nearly 1,000 people participated in the first Ride for Roswell in 1996, raising more than $101,000 on a cloudy Saturday morning. By the 10th anniversary, in 2005, nearly 3,000 riders lined up to participate, raising more than $900,000. The next year, 2006, the Ride surpassed the $1 million mark for the first time, a benchmark it continues to exceed every year.
In 30 years, the Ride Community has raised nearly $80 million to support research and patient care programs at Roswell Park and brings together nearly 8,000 riders and 2,000 volunteers every year.
Roswell Park is one of only 4% of cancer centers that holds comprehensive status from the National Cancer Institute (NCI). During its annual Core Grant renewal, Roswell Park was designated “exceptional” by the NCI, underscoring the center’s commitment to exceptional patient care and working toward a cancer-free tomorrow.
Did you know every $1 raised by the Ride becomes $23 in additional external funding for Roswell Park scientists in their efforts to research and develop new treatments for cancer?
There are nine different routes available for Ride participants (including a Canada route), ranging from 4 to 100 miles. That means from beginners to novice cyclists, there is a route that’s right for everyone. And it’s not too late to sign up! Fundraisers can register online until 7 a.m. on Thursday, June 26.
Want to get involved in the Ride? riding or making a donation?
You can contribute by riding or donating! And don't forget: If you can't attend the Celebration of Hope in person and June 27, you can watch the livestream on WGRZ's website or during Channel 2's broadcast that afternoon!