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Fundraising for 2013 is in full swing!

*All donations received after September 21st, 2012 will count towards 2013 incentives.

Riding With A Purpose

 

Levi’s GranFondo is a charity event, one designed to effect change at a local level and to watch that change ripple outward as far as possible. We’ve got a variety of beneficiaries in place that have a history of supporting their communities and shepherding those in need through difficult times. We’re honored that you all would join us in assisting these organizations as they conduct their important work. Levi feels the same way:

“I’ve always said that this area has made me the cyclist I am today and even now, as I prepare for another big racing season, I continue to be thankful for what it has given me,” says Leipheimer. “If our event can improve the opportunities for young cyclists and those new to the sport, we’re giving back in a way that’ll make for communities that are healthier, greener, and a whole lot of fun.”

In 2010, we took the additional step of allowing individuals to raise money for our beneficiaries, whether they ride in the event or not. In 2011, this program really took off and we’re looking forward to seeing it continue to grow in 2013. We’ll be working with our GranFondo sponsors on a host of merchandise and experiential incentives for top individual fundraisers, likely including apparel, accessories, wine, hotel stays, VIP access, and a ride with pro cycling athletes from across the sport. We love seeing our younger folks engage in our fundraising program, so we’ve got an extra prize for those folks 23 years of age and under.

Our Beneficiaries:

VeloStreet’s Cycling Initiatives Program

VeloStreet, the non-profit arm of the GranFondo, has a series of hands-on initiatives that aim to directly improve cycling resources in the communities in which the GranFondo operates and throughout California. The current program changes with the cycling needs of the area, but is currently working on the following projects:

  • Support and further fundraising for emergency management of local mountain bike-friendly State Parks threatened by closures due to budget cuts.
  • A cycling-specific signage program for favored bicycle routes throughout Sonoma County to facilitate lawful cycling for tourists and to increase awareness among local residents.
  • A competitive grant program to fund cycling infrastructure and education in California and beyond.

Forget Me Not Farm

Since its inception in 1992, Forget Me Not Farm has helped thousands of at-risk children and youth break the cycle of abuse. Located on the grounds of the Humane Society & SPCA of Sonoma County, the Farm offers animal-assisted and horticultural therapeutic activities that provide a haven for children, plants and animals to bond, learn, and heal with one another.

Community Giving (Rural Schools and Fire Departments)

Much of the GranFondo course traverses beautiful rural scenery with little to no development. Looks can be deceiving however, for there are folks living in these fine stretches of country with kids that need as good a dose of learning as their city dwelling brethren. Problem is, much of these school districts have to spend more money to educate fewer students across these widely spread areas. On top of that, since there are less kids in the classroom, less money comes down from local, state, and federal coffers. The GranFondo is working with schools along the route to identify needs and support this community as we enjoy the views and terrain in their backyards. Additionally, this gets these kids excited about cycling at a young age and in a time where childhood obesity and nutrition are major problems for developing children.

This same geographic and financial situation extends to emergency services and other community services, not just schools. The GranFondo supports these vital local resources so that folks who make their life in further flung areas of the county can continue to have the same opportunities as their urban comrades.

Dempsey Center For Cancer Hope and Healing

Levi’s GranFondo has a long and friendly relationship with actor Patrick Dempsey and his event, The Dempsey Challenge, and we’re pleased to add their main beneficiary to our roster of charities we support. The Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope and Healing in Lewiston, Maine provides free support, education, and integrative medicine services to cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers with the goal of improving the quality of life for individuals, families, and communities impacted by cancer. While The Dempsey Center is part of The Central Maine Comprehensive Cancer Center, the free services and programs of the Dempsey Center services are available to everyone, regardless of where cancer treatment is received. Find out more at http://www.dempseycenter.org.

The Pablove Foundation

Another dear friend of Levi’s GranFondo is The Pablove Foundation, whose mission is to fund pediatric cancer research and advances in treatment, educate and empower cancer families, and improve the quality of life for children living with cancer through hospital play, music, and arts programs. Their Pablove Across America long-distance cycling event will celebrate its fifth anniversary by kicking off “Day Zero” at the 2013 Levi’s GranFondo. Look for the Pablove peloton on event day and give ‘em a cheer. They’re riding for a pretty big cause and the GranFondo is just the start for them. To learn more and join the full ride from the Bay Area to Los Angeles this October visit http://pablove.org/paa