$54,106 raised for Prostate Cancer at the 2017 Tbaytel Motorcycle Ride for Dad, presented by WINMAR
By Heather Vita
It’s been going strong for 17 years and the combined roar of hundreds of motorcycles each year never gets old. This past Saturday morning at 9:30 a.m. riders revved their engines as they took off in the Roar for the Cure as part of the Tbaytel Motorcycle Ride for Dad, presented by WINMAR. This year’s event raised $54,106 in support of prostate cancer education, care and research through the Northern Cancer Fund, bringing the event’s total to $1,002,355!
As in previous years, participants began with a hearty breakfast served at the Victoria Inn, followed by the Roar for the Cure, with a parade around Thunder Bay, a filling lunch at Silver Mountain Station and then back again to the Victoria Inn to enjoy some time together. Throughout the day, riders enjoyed the sights in and around town as they collected poker cards, with prizes awarded for top poker hands.
Always held the day before Father’s Day, the event was a perfect opportunity to celebrate men and encourage conversations about prostate cancer; a topic that was quite taboo some 17 years ago. Glenn Craig, President and CEO, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation, recalled, “When this Ride first got started, there was a real hesitation among men to discuss many health issues, especially related to prostate cancer. Thanks to this Ride and other initiatives like Prostate ManTM, our community has embraced the discussion and men have a much greater level of comfort talking about prostate cancer, and more importantly, taking action to maintain their health and well-being. The good news is that, when detected early, prostate cancer is highly treatable. Thanks to the proceeds from this Ride, our community can feel assured that we have exceptional equipment available if it’s needed.”
“When you step back and look at the amount raised through this event over the last 17 years, it truly is remarkable and it also speaks to how much it means to the community to be able to make prostate cancer care available right here in northwestern Ontario,” said Dan Topatigh, Tbaytel president and CEO. “Tbaytel is thrilled to support such a unique and fun event that we know continues to rally awareness, camaraderie and of course, funds, behind such a worthwhile cause.”
Along with supportive sponsors, a large portion of the Ride’s success comes from riders and participants who work tirelessly to raise pledges in advance of the Ride. This year, John Pascuzzo earned the title of top pledge earner, collecting $3,530 in pledges. The total pledges raised this year was $25,364, with 43 people raising at least $100 and 21 raising at least $500. Those who raised over $500 received free registration to next year’s ride.
The funds raised support the Northern Cancer Fund of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation. 100% of proceeds remain in our region to fund prostate cancer research, diagnosis and treatment in Northwestern Ontario. Equally as important as the amount raised is the prostate cancer awareness generated by the Tbaytel Motorcycle Ride for Dad, presented by WINMAR.
Together, we are making HOPE possible.
