Pan-Massachusetts Challenge
August 2-3, 2008
Sponsors
Boston Red Sox
Since 2003, the Boston Red Sox and the Red Sox Foundation have been the presenting sponsors of the Pan-Massachusetts Challenge. Not only do the Red Sox support the PMC financially, by annually contributing hundreds of thousands of dollars to the event, they have become PMC family. The Red Sox support the PMC as members of the team – cyclists, volunteers, and fundraisers who ride or work during event weekend. Team 9, the Red Sox' PMC cycling team, is led by Stacey Lucchino, a six-year PMC cyclist and the wife of Red Sox President and CEO and two-time cancer survivor, Larry Lucchino. Team 9 was named in honor of the late Ted Williams, a legendary supporter of the Jimmy Fund.
The Red Sox also host special celebrations for the PMC, opening the field up to PMC team members and their families. "The bond between the Red Sox and the PMC has never been stronger," says Larry Lucchino. "The energy, passion and commitment displayed by the PMC riders and volunteers resonate deeply throughout all of Red Sox Nation, and we are honored that Fenway Park has become a second home for the PMC."
Overstock.com
Overstock.com became a co-presenting sponsor of the Pan-Massachusetts Challenge in 2005. Led by Overstock.com President Patrick Byrne, the company's PMC commitment is financial and physical. Byrne is a three-time cancer survivor who rode across the country for the PMC in 2000. In 2005, Byrne commissioned a team of cyclists from Overstock.com to travel from Utah to Massachusetts to ride in the PMC. To Byrne, the PMC is more than just an event he supports; it was the catalyst to his creating Worldstock.com, an online shopping site that sells the skilled crafts of people in developing nations. "Worldstock is the best idea of my life and in a very real way, Billy Starr and the PMC got me thinking along the path that led to Worldstock." Byrne said. "I think of Billy Starr as the greatest social entrepreneur in America, and my experiences with him and the PMC opened my eyes to the possibility of doing more good with my life." Overstock.com continues to be committed to the PMC.
NECN
The official media sponsor of the PMC for eight consecutive years, NECN has been bringing dozens of news and feature stories about PMC riders, volunteers, and supporters into the homes of millions of viewers throughout New England. NECN news coverage shows viewers where their sponsorship dollars go, and the lifesaving advances that have been made in cancer research over the years. In addition to news coverage, NECN produces and airs several public service announcements for the PMC year-round, and the station produces the PMC opening ceremonies, which it airs live the Friday night of PMC weekend. Finally, NECN supports the PMC with its team of cyclists who ride and raise money for the Jimmy Fund in the event.
MFS Investment Management
Since 1999, MFS Investment Management, a global asset management firm, has been committed to the PMC. The company and its employees have raised nearly $5 million for cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through its involvement in the event. After four years as the PMC's presenting sponsor, in 2003 MFS became the hub sponsor of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy in Bourne, which is a finish line for one-day riders and the half way point for all two-day riders. Dozens of MFS employees annually ride or volunteer during PMC weekend. Through corporate sponsorship and employee involvement and fundraising, MFS's largest philanthropic contribution goes to the PMC.
