Suffield PMC Kids Ride Continues To Support Childhood Cancer Charities

SUFFIELD, CT — For a dozen years, the Suffield Pan Mass Challenge Kids Ride has been raising tens of thousands of dollars annually for the Jimmy Fund/Dana Farber Cancer Institute in its fight against childhood cancer. The 2023 event, presented by Koverage Insurance Group, is slated for Saturday, May 13 at the McAlister Intermediate School.

To date, the Kids Ride has raised over $450,000 for the Jimmy Fund through the Pan Mass Challenge. More than 1,500 kids have taken part, and 100 percent of all proceeds and donations go directly to the charities, both of which are among the highest rated in the country.

In 43 years, the Pan Mass Challenge has raised $900 million for Dana Farber and the Jimmy Fund, including a record $69 million in 2022. Suffield hosts the only Kids Ride in Connecticut.

Co-coordinator Chris Nikolis said, "After our most successful year ever in 2022, we are thrilled to be back and look forward to gathering again with friends, volunteers, supporters and especially our riders and their families. We are very proud of what this day has become in Suffield, and are extremely grateful for the support we have received. None of this would be possible without the hundreds of people that have taken the time to help in so many ways. This is a great town and we look forward to our best Kids Ride yet."

Children ages 2-17 are welcome to ride either of two safe, supervised courses. Younger children can ride the closed-off middle school parking lot circle, and older kids can ride a 5-mile loop up Hill Street to Russell Street and back. The day includes a raffle/silent auction, with all guests invited to stay for lunch, live music and a fun celebration. Terrific sponsorship opportunities are also available.

Other events throughout the year help support the Suffield PMC Kids Ride, including an ongoing bottle and can drive that has raised thousands for the cause. Country Comes Back to Hilltop on September 16, featuring Jordan Oaks and presented by Artioli Dodge.

In recognition of their tireless efforts, Nikolis and his wife Denise were presented the John Wentworth Good Sport Award by the Connecticut Sports Media Alliance at the 80th Gold Key Dinner last October.

To register to ride or volunteer and to donate, visit kids.PMC.org/Suffield. Supporters can also stay updated by following on Facebook at "Suffield PMC Kids Ride." \

Anyone with questions or who wants to become involved in any way is asked to contact Nikolis at 860-796-3644 or cnikolis@cox.net.