Neighbor News
2018 Suffield Pan Mass Challenge Kids Ride Scheduled for May 12
Event has raised $190,000 for The Jimmy Fund in 6 years, $60,000 goal in 2018
The 2018 Suffield Pan Mass Challenge Kids Ride will be held on May 12, 2018 at the McAlister School in Suffield, CT
This will be the 7th Suffield PMC Kids Ride and the response has been overwhelming. Over 900 riders have taken part and together with connected events, the Suffield PMC Kids Ride has raised over $190,000 for The Jimmy Fund and the fight against cancer. Combined with a pasta dinner, ongoing can/bottle drive and other efforts, $51,000 was raised in 2017 alone. Both rider numbers and the amount raised have both increased in each year. 100% of all proceeds go to The Jimmy Fund.
The event is co-chaired by Chris and Denise Nikolis of Suffield. Chris is an 9-year PMC rider and the Nikolis Family launched the Kids Ride in 2012 after realizing that none were held in Connecticut.
The event remains the only ride in Connecticut and has grown to the 5th largest of the 35 Kids Rides held each year.
"Beyond the terrific fundraising, we have created a fun day of family and fitness that teaches us all an important lesson about coming together toward a goal much larger than any single one of us," said Chris Nikolis. "We anticipate our best year yet, look forward to hosting returning riders and welcoming many new ones as well. The town of Suffield and its citizens have stepped up in so many ways and it means the world to us. The kids are the stars of the day, riding and fundraising to making this such a special day."
This video is a terrific summary of previous events. Facebook is a great way to keep up to date on the event at “Suffield PMC Kids Ride.” The event includes rider gift bags for the first 200 riders, free lunch for riders and their families, a great raffle/silent auction, live music and a playground. Kids ride from 10-11 AM and the party goes until 1 PM.
PMC is the largest athletic fundraiser in the country, having raised $598 Million for The Jimmy Fund in the 37 year history of the event. Each August, 6,300 cyclists ride 192 miles from Sturbridge to Provincetown, with shorter rides also in place. Kids Rides were launched to introduce this wonderful event to a whole new audience. In 2017, 35 Kids Rides across New England raised over $700,000 for this important fight.
To register as a rider or volunteer, or to donate, simply head to kids.pmc.org. With any questions on the event or to learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Chris Nikolis by at cnikolis@cox.net or at (860) 796-3644.