Tour des Chutes has record participation, giving

Tour des Chutes, an annual fundraising event for local cancer survivorship programs, was held July 12th, with record level participation by riders and sponsors and raised over 10% more than the previous year.

As a result of the successful event, the board of directors announced its largest grant ever at $125,000, to be donated to St. Charles Cancer Survivorship Programs and the newly formed Pediatric Foundation. These two programs allow Tour des Chutes to support both adults and children with cancer.

Dr. Kent Yundt, president of the board, said this year’s Tour des Chutes was the most inspiring year for him since he’s been involved. “The TdC community of riders, runners, volunteers and sponsors was completely geared up to make our tenth year its most successful ever and they did. We can never thank each of them enough for their dedication and commitment to the cause.”

Tour des Chutes was founded in 2005 by Bend resident, business owner and cancer survivor Gary Bonacker, in order to fund St Charles Cancer Center Survivorship Programs. In addition to funding survivorship programs, the annual cycling and running event is embraced by thousands in the community as a celebration of life.

The board has also announced the date of the eleventh annual 2015 Tour des Chutes for Saturday, July 11, 2015 and will again offer multi-distance cycling routes as well as the 2nd Annual COPA Family 5K. More information is available at www.tourdeschutes.org.

“The Tour des Chutes has a different meaning for different riders. The ride gives you time to reflect on where you are in life, the full meaning of being a part of this world and time to reflect on the people you love.” – Gary Bonacker.

Tour des Chutes: The Ride. The Run. The Inspiration.