Lori and Peter Cote of Somerville proudly show off the $37M check benefitting the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.– Photo by Jay Baronowski

The 2012 Pan-Massachusetts Challenge (PMC) raised $37 million for cancer research and patient care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through the Jimmy Fund. The 2012 fundraising total is $2 million more than the PMC gave in 2011 and brings its 33-year Jimmy Fund contribution to $375 million.

Of the $37 million raised for cancer research by cyclists of the 2012 Pan-Massachusetts Challenge, 40 Somerville residents raised more than $182,400. They were among the 5,234 cyclists who rode up to 190 miles over one or two days across Massachusetts to raise money for adult and pediatric patient care and cancer research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through the Jimmy Fund. The $37 million check was recently presented to Dana-Farber.

The PMC, which was held Aug. 4 and 5, is the most successful single athletic fundraising event in the United States. It raises and contributes more money to charity than any other such event.

PMC Founder and Executive Director Billy Starr presented a ceremonial check to Dana-Farber President Edward J. Benz, Jr., MD at a brunch celebration held at Legal Harborside in South Boston, which was attended by PMC cyclists, volunteers and family members.

PMC 2012 exceeded its 2011 gift by $2 million, a 5.7 % increase. “PMCers are committed to our event and to raising money for cancer research,” said Starr. “Their efforts fund Dana-Farber research and treatment that help millions around the globe.”

The contribution represents 100 percent of every rider-raised dollar, a charity pass-through rate that is nearly unparalleled within the athletic fundraising event industry. Approximately 3,300 volunteers and 200 companies supplying almost $5 million in products and services provided riders with food, mechanical and medical assistance, luggage transport and support of all kinds.

Last August, 5,234 cyclists from nine countries and 36 US states rode one of 11 routes that ranged from 25 to 190 miles.  Riders included Massachusetts Senators John Kerry and Scott Brown, 300 cancer survivors, current cancer patients and avid cyclists and weekend warriors alike. Many rode in support of loved ones being treated for cancer or in memory of those who have been lost to the disease.

“PMC money is seed money that enables our scientists to conduct the earliest forms of research, often before it is eligible for government funds,” Benz said. “The money they raise is critical to our work.”

Founded in 1980 when 36 cyclists rode across Massachusetts and raised $10,200 for the Jimmy Fund, the PMC is known today as the gold standard of athletic fundraising events due to the unprecedented sums it raises and its consistently efficient charity pass-through rate. One of the very first athletic fundraising events for charity in the nation, the PMC was a pioneer in its focus on fundraising and efficiency.

The 34th annual PMC is set for Aug. 3 and 4, 2013. Registration opens online on Jan. 3 for PMC alumni and Jan. 17 for newcomers. For more information about the PMC, which is presented by the Boston Red Sox Foundation and New Balance, visit www.pmc.org.