13th Tour des Chutes raises over $200,000

Tour des Chutes, an annual fundraising event for local cancer survivorship programs, was held July 9th. Tour des Chutes again raised over $200,000, with 1,450 registered cyclists and 350 registered walkers and runners.

In October, the board of directors will allocate funds raised to St. Charles Cancer Survivorship Programs and Pediatric Foundation.

Tour des Chutes board member, Susan Strible, took part in the ride this year and commented on the sense of community. “Tour des Chutes is so much more than a ride and a run/walk. It’s a chance to celebrate life and honor those that are no longer with us, while actively showing our support for cancer survivors in Central Oregon. This was my first time riding in the event as a cancer survivor and it felt incredible to be a part of the magic. The second Saturday in July holds special meaning to me now, more than ever. What a wonderful family to be a part of!”

Tour des Chutes was founded in 2004 by Bend resident, business owner and cancer survivor Gary Bonacker, in order to create and fund St Charles Cancer Center Survivorship Programs and the more recently added Pediatric Foundation. The annual cycling and running event is not only a fundraiser, but is also celebration of life. Gary Bonacker enjoys every year and says, “This is one of my favorite days of the year. To have our community come together and celebrate is something I will always love.”

The fourteenth annual Tour des Chutes will take place the second Saturday of July 2017. We will again offer multi-distance cycling routes as well as the 4th Annual COPA Family 5K, Supported by the Kralj Family. More information is available at www.tourdeschutes.org.

….”Tour des Chutes is about the community that comes together….not only on event day but the entire year working with our sponsors, volunteers, team captains and board members. It is truly something I am thankful for.” – Board Member, Leslie Cogswell