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Contact:
Araine Cash
Associate Manager
405-840-3881 (ext. 6048)
Sluggish economy is no match for Tour de Cure fundraising efforts
Community rallies behind local cyclist to raise money for diabetes research
Kingfisher, Okla. – May, 18 2011 – Cycling enthusiast Mike Atchley has raised more than $2,000 and counting within a month to support 6-year old Whitley Cash and thousands of other Oklahomans affected by diabetes.
Atchley’s fundraising frenzy has brought in the most individually-raised money for American Diabetes Association-Oklahoma City’s fifth annual Tour de Cure, a bicycle ride to be held on June 25 at Mustang’s Wild Horse Park. Atchley’s community has donated $2,050 on top of the initial $320 raised by his team of riders from Wheeler Dealer Bicycle, which is the event’s leading group among clubs or organizations.
“A lot of times I will call local companies and just say, 'I'm doing this for Whitley Cash’” said Atchley, who has owned and managed the local Ace Hardware store for 25 years. “Obviously with the retail business, I've got a good base of customers and suppliers that I've been asking to donate. We've got a pretty giving community.”
The inspiration for Atchley’s campaign is approaching her second year with Type 1 diabetes. Whitley is the daughter of Tour de Cure Coordinator Araine Cash, who reached out to Atchley as a regular rider in the event. Atchley pushed his fundraising effort after Cash met with him and teammate Kurt Henderson.
Atchley has quickly surpassed his original goal of $1,000 and has set a new benchmark at $3,000. Only $150 in fundraising money is required for individuals to ride in the event. The Wheeler Dealer Bicycle team will embark on the 62-mile track, which is one of the five routes participants can choose from.
More than 50,000 cyclists participated in last year’s 80 nationwide tours, raising $17 million for the estimated 25.8 million Americans living with diabetes as determined by the 2011 National Diabetes Fact Sheet.
American Diabetes Association’s mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. ADA leads the fight against the deadly consequences of diabetes and fight for those affected by diabetes by funding research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes; delivering services to hundreds of communities; providing objective and credible information; and giving voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes.
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