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Canary Challenge Bicycle Fundraiser raises over $1 million for early cancer detection research
October 7, 2014
The 4th annual Canary Challenge cycling fundraiser was September 27, 2014 in Palo Alto and experienced major growth since its inception in 2011. The event, produced by the Canary Foundation, benefits the Canary Center at Stanford for Cancer Early Detection, and raised $1,094,322, all of which goes to the beneficiary.
“We’re so happy to see the growth of the fundraiser and dedication from our repeat riders and sponsors over the years,” says Don Listwin, founder of Canary Foundation. “We’ve created some cycling routes that highlight the best road riding that the Peninsula has to offer, along with distances for everyone, from the 5k to 100 miles.” The ride also has rest stops with gourmet food and espresso.
The Canary Challenge featured over 1000 riders, 108 teams, and nearly 200 volunteers. Many riders have a personal reason for riding in the Canary Challenge and many have been touched by cancer in their lives. Participants understand that early detection offers more opportunity to treat and overcome cancer. Canary Challenge participants on average, fundraise over $1200 each, though the fundraising minimum for individuals is $400. All proceeds go to the Canary Center at Stanford for Cancer Early Detection.
The event village, located at HP’s headquarters in Palo Alto had live music, food trucks, vendors, a beer garden, a photo booth, a kid zone, and even a surprise visit from the Stanford Band.
Pros from Vanderkitten Racing are among those who support the Canary Challenge, and corporate team sponsors this year include Avaya, El Camino Hospital, VMware, SAP, and Juniper Networks. Local cycling club, Menlo Bike Club has also been a big supporter of the Canary Challenge, by hosting clinics and weekend training rides.
Top Fundraisers:
Individual
| Gelsinger | Patrick | $28,080 |
| Krauskopf | Chip | $13,790 |
| Chow | Jonathan | $12,535 |
| Kennedy | Kevin | $12,500 |
| Kaufman | Julie | $11,340 |
| Gelsinger | Nathan | $10,685 |
| Gelsinger | Josiah | $10,610 |
| Knotts | Ryan | $7,675 |
| Sallaberry | Paul | $7,490 |
| Yee | Brian | $6,985 |
Corporate
| VMware | $88,649 |
| Avaya The Power of We(tm) | $47,303 |
| Ericsson Silicon Valley | $25,616 |
| Team SAP Cycling | $18,346 |
| Bavarian Nordic | $15,820 |
Stanford
| X-RAY NINJAS | $30,122 |
| Mammo In Motion | $13,468 |
| The Canary Center Team | $12,862 |
| Team Nucs | $10,742 |
| TEAM MIPS | $9,699 |
Friends and Family
| Canary Peeps | $118,498 |
| Lightning | $38,346 |
| Ladybug Racing | $26,734 |
| Team Chow Fighters | $23,688 |
| Team Polly Cleland Helmke | $17,190 |
