The Suffield Pan Mass Challenge Kids Ride, presented by Koverage Insurance Group, will be held on May 7 at the McAlister School. It will be the 11th event since it debuted in 2012. In that time, the Kids Ride has raised over $380,000 for The Jimmy Fund/Dana Farber Cancer Institute through the Pan Mass Challenge.
Riders celebrate their completion of the PMC ride in a previous year.
“After two years of virtual events, we are thrilled to be back and look forward to gathering with friends, volunteers, supporters and especially our riders and their families. We are very proud of what this day has become in Suffield and are extremely grateful for the support we have received. None of this would be possible without the hundreds of people that have taken the time to help in so many ways”, said Chris Nikolis, Co-Coordinator of the event. “This is a great town and we look forward to our biggest and most successful Kids Ride yet.”
Kids ages 2-17 are welcome to ride either of 2 safe, supervised courses. Younger children can ride the closed off Middle School parking lot circle and older kids can ride a five mile loop up Hill Street to Russell Avenue and back. The day will also include a raffle/silent auction, with all guests invited to stay for lunch, live music and a fun celebration. Terrific sponsorship opportunities are also available.
In 10 years, the event has hosted nearly 1,500 kids and raised over $380,000 for The Jimmy Fund and fight against cancer, including $60,000 in the last two years when no events were held. 100% of all proceeds and donations from the event go directly to The Jimmy Fund, both of which are among the highest rated charities in the country. In 42 years, the full PMC has raised $831 million for Dana Farber and The Jimmy Fund, a record $64 million in 2021.
The Suffield PMC Kids Ride holds other events throughout the year, including an ongoing bottle/can drive that has raised thousands for the cause. A pasta dinner is planned for the fall. Used sports equipment and bikes are collected for distribution to a wonderful group of non-profit groups.
To register to ride or volunteer and to donate, visit kids.PMC.org/Suffield. Supporters can also stay updated by following on Facebook at “Suffield PMC Kids Ride.” With any questions, or to become a sponsor or donate a raffle/auction item, please contact Chris Nikolis at (860) 796-3644 or cnikolis@cox.net.