Tour des Chutes nears $1 million giving mark

As Tour des Chutes approaches the $1 million giving mark in supporting cancer care and survivorship programs that benefit children and adults in Central Oregon, organizers of this annual multi-distance cycling and run/walk fundraising event recently announced a considerable expansion in cancer services it funds.

In 2017, Tour des Chutes — a Bend-based nonprofit organization founded in 2004 by local cyclist, business owner and cancer survivor Gary Bonacker — has created a number of new partnerships that serve to expand its reach in helping Central Oregonians impacted by cancer.

Such efforts now include partnerships with Bend Memorial Clinic (BMC), Mosaic Medical, Bend Park & Recreation District, and the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute. These connections, along with long-time Tour des Chutes partners at St. Charles Cancer Center and the Pediatric Foundation, will ensure the funds raised annually by Tour des Chutes are able to impact more lives for the better, says Tour des Chutes Executive Director Sarah McDougall.

“As we continue to grow and achieve new funding goals, it becomes paramount to us that these funds and the programs they support are readily available to anyone in Central Oregon who’s been impacted by cancer,” McDougall said. “By expanding our giving efforts with a number of organizations, we’re able to help lay the groundwork for new initiatives and programs for cancer survivors while helping fund basic needs for those who require financial assistance.”

For example:

St. Charles provides multiple programs to support cancer survivor well-being, integrative therapy and a program for healthy nutrition.

BMC is distributing Tour des Chutes-purchased food and gas gift cards, as well as vouchers for massage, acupuncture and reiki.

Mosaic Medical has received TdC funding for gift cards and integrative therapy vouchers as well.

OHSU Foundation has received travel expense funding to support Central Oregonians who are required to travel to Portland for treatment.

In addition, thanks to their new partnership with Bend Park and Recreation District, Tour des Chutes is able to help make it possible for cancer survivors to participate in classes and establish exercise routines that can help improve their well-being.

“We’re also still working with the Pediatric Foundation here in Central Oregon to provide funding for their mission, which is to give financial and other needed support to families who must travel outside the region to receive medical care for a child with cancer,” McDougall said. “Our goal now and in the future is to grow our outreach and giving so we can help the most people in Central Oregon.”

In its 13th year, Tour des Chutes will be held this year on Saturday, July 8 . The event will include bike rides of various distances, from 7 miles to 100 miles, and a 5K run/walk in support of the Pediatric Foundation.

Over the last 12 years, Tour des Chutes has donated over $900,000 to cancer survivorship programs.

“When we started this event, we raised $37,000 and had about 75 people participate,” said Bonacker, who started Tour des Chutes in 2004, a year after he was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor. “The way it’s grown over the past several years has been beyond my wildest dreams. The participants, board, volunteers … all those people who’ve participated over the years should be proud of what they’ve done, the money we’ve raised and all the people we’ve been able to help.”

For more information about this year’s event, including information about sponsoring these efforts, visit www.tourdeschutes.org or e-mail tdeschutes@gmail.com

About Tour des Chutes
Tour des Chutes was founded in 2004 by Bend resident, business owner and cancer survivor, Gary Bonacker. The goal was to fund St. Charles’ Cancer Center Survivorship programs. Tour des Chutes also supports the Pediatric Foundation, as well as several other programs benefiting cancer survivors in the High Desert. Tour des Chutes is funded by corporate and community sponsors as well as through event registration fees. Visit www.tourdeschutes.org for more information.