Obliteride tops $1.8 million for cancer research
Published 12:04 pm Friday, October 9, 2015
SEATTLE – The cure for cancer is nearly $2 million nearer at hand after the incredible success of this year’s Obliteride fundraiser event, in which participants peddled more than 63,000 combined miles across western Washington — including a portion of the trek which ran through Bainbridge Island. Riders in the 2015 Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center ride managed to push the event’s total amount raised to $1,847,000 to date.
Obliteride executive director Amy Lavin, upon announcing the event’s success, expressed thanks to all of participants, past and present. “It’s been amazing to see the region embrace Obliteride and our goal to support cancer research at Fred Hutch,” she said. “From lemonade stands to arts and craft sales, individuals are finding fun, creative ways to accelerate the research happening here every day.”
Nearly 1,200 riders enjoyed a lineup of live entertainment, delicious food and celebration during this year’s event.
Grammy Award-winning composer Mateo Messina performed with his new group, The Gentlemen, at a kickoff party at Gas Works Park, which also included famed Seattle chef Tom Douglas, who attended the celebration for the third year and helped his staff cook up a salmon feast for the crowd.
Dr. Gary Gilliland, president and director of Fred Hutch, said cancer is a truly universal issue. “We know that cancer touches almost everyone,” he said. “Half of all men, and one in three women, will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. The effort and generosity of people through events like Obliteride are vital to our work toward cancer cures, and so appreciated.”
Registration for next year’s Obliteride opens early next year, officials said. Visit www.obliteride.org to find out more.
