Inaugural Obliteride Sets Northwest Fundraising Record

SEATTLE, Oct. 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The inaugural Obliteride was a huge success. In its first year, Obliteride raised more money for a local organization than any other bicycling fundraiser in the Northwest. The inaugural ride raised $1.9 million that will go directly to lifesaving research at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131023/AQ03396)  

"We are so impressed with how our community rallied around Obliteride and its commitment to raising money to accelerate lifesaving research at Fred Hutch," said Amy Lavin, Obliteride's executive director. "We set out to do something big our first year and people wowed us by donating $1.9 million to Fred Hutch."

More than 1,600 people participated in the August event, including riders, volunteers and virtual riders. "It was a magical weekend that we hope even more people will get to experience next year," Lavin said.

Putting the Money to Work to End Cancer
Obliteride's generous sponsors, including anchor sponsors University Village and The Sloan Foundation, ensure that 100 percent of every dollar raised stays right here in our community and goes directly to lifesaving research at Fred Hutch. This breakthrough research creates hope for the thousands of people diagnosed with cancer every year and helps save lives around the world.

Obliteride's funds will be put to use in the areas of highest need to fund the most promising research at Fred Hutch. Some of the funds will be used for accelerating research in immunotherapy, which harnesses the power of the immune system to treat cancer with minimal side effects and less toxicity. Funds will also support prostate cancer and pediatric brain cancer research.

"Obliteride is a way for our entire community to be part of the Hutch's mission to end cancer," said Dr. Fred Appelbaum, executive vice president and deputy director of Fred Hutch."Contributions from individuals, corporations and private foundations are more critical now than ever because of federal cutbacks. We have so many exciting and game-changing projects going on right now. Funding is essential; lives are counting on it."

A Weekend to Remember
"The financial impact we're having on cancer research is rewarding, and it's matched by the smiles on faces at Obliteride," Lavin continued. "The weekend truly was an event to remember. People came ready to ride and spend time with friends. They left inspired and rejuvenated. The sense of accomplishment, top-notch service, delicious fare, and entertainment left people energized. Together we made a positive impact on cancer research."

Save the date: Obliteride 2014 weekend is Aug. 8-10. Details will be announced in early January when registration opens. For more information, visit www.obliteride.org.

Contact:
Amy Anderson
Obliteride Media Relations
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
[email protected]
206-310-1965

SOURCE Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center