Four-year cancer research fundraising total exceeds $1 million
Cary, NC [September 2, 2021] – The V Foundation for Cancer Research’s Victory Ride to Cure Cancer, a one-day charity cycling event presented by Braswell Family Farms was held on Saturday, August 28, at NC State University’s Centennial Campus. Participants raised nearly $400,000 to benefit cancer research in North Carolina and nationwide. Since the start of the Victory Ride in 2018, the event has raised over $1 million for research.
“The Victory Ride is an event unlike any other. This year, I had the privilege of riding and fundraising,” said Sherrie Mazur, senior vice president of Communications and Public Affairs at the V Foundation. “The feeling of camaraderie uplifted cyclists like me the day of the ride, and I can’t wait to be part of this incredible community once again in 2022!”
The event had over 500 registered riders and nearly 200 volunteers. In addition to the live event, it also included a month-long virtual option. During MyVictory Month, participants fundraising for lifesaving research had the flexibility to choose how and when they rode while joining cycling and non-cycling competitions leading up to August 28. The day of the live event, riders cycled 10-, 30-, 60- and 100-mile routes, as well as participated on-site via stationary spin bikes.
Prior to the ride, cyclists were served breakfast from Braswell Family Farms. The post-event festival had live music from EG Peters Band and beverages from local breweries, including Bond Brothers Beer Company, Big Boss Brewing Company, Gizmo Brew Works and Heyday Brewing, as well as beer from Corona, a longtime V Foundation partner. There were also local food trucks on-site, including Pie Pushers, Poblanos Tacos, the Wandering Moose, Bulkogi and dessert from Locopops. Activities included a bicycle obstacle course for kids from Bikin’ Dads.
Matt McDougall rode 100 miles on his dad’s bike and in memory of his father who passed away from pancreatic cancer. “I rode exactly the way I wanted to with some amazing people, said McDougall. “Knowing we were raising money for such an important cause made it even more special for me. Thanks to all the volunteers, police and organizers who supported the ride and kept us safe.”
The V Foundation is proud to host an event in the Triangle, with 100% of rider-raised funds supporting Duke Cancer Institute, UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Wake Forest Baptist Health Comprehensive Cancer Center, as well as breakthrough cancer research nationwide. Kevin Breen, from Team CBS 17, was the top fundraising individual, collecting more than $21,000 in donations to support cancer research. The top fundraising team was Team REEB, breaking an event record for team fundraising, with more than $32,000 raised.
“Those of us at Braswell Family Farms are no stranger to cancer,” said Trey Braswell, president of Braswell Family Farms. “That’s why being a part of an event directly affecting the future of cancer research is so important to us. We had some dedicated team mates who cooked breakfast for the riders, volunteered in other areas, and last but not least, some braved a tiny bicycle seat for 10, 30, 60, even 100 miles for cancer research. Which we will gladly do any day to support those who fight the real battles!”
The V Foundation would like to thank its partners for helping bring the ride to fruition, including presenting partner Braswell Family Farms, CBS 17, iHeart Media Raleigh, Spectrum News and others. For more information about the Victory Ride to Cure Cancer, please visit thevictoryride.org. Follow the Victory Ride on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @TheVictoryRide.
About the V Foundation for Cancer Research
The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State University basketball coach and ESPN commentator. The V Foundation has funded more than $260 million in cancer research grants nationwide. Event proceeds benefit cancer research funded by the V Foundation. The Foundation awards game-changing grants through a competitive process strictly supervised by a Scientific Advisory Committee. For more information on the V Foundation, please visit v.org.