17th Annual Bike for Breath Raises $160,000
500+ people bike along the peninsula to support local lung disease and clean air programs
Foster City, Calif. – Hundreds of Bay Area residents gave up their usual Saturday morning activities this past weekend to help Breathe California the fight for clean air and better health at Bile for Breath 2008. Starting in Foster City at the Applied Biosystems’ campus and trekking through San Mateo, Redwood City, Palo Alto and as far south as Los Altos, the riders enjoyed a scenic ride along the peninsula while helping raise close to $160,000 for the local non-profit organization.
“We are thrilled that so many people came out to get some exercise and support our drive to fight lung disease,” said Nicole Villanueva, organizer of Breathe California’s July 12th ride. “Their efforts and contributions will help us continue to offer important local programs to educate kids about smoking, promote air quality issues and assist those suffering from lung disease.”
Open to riders of all ages and abilities, Bike for Breath 2008 offered participants four different course routes ranging from 10 to 62 miles long. Participants are also encouraged to form teams of riders and collect pledges, with 100 percent of all the money raised at Bike for Breath staying here in the Bay Area. After completing their morning trek, participants returned to a festive EXPO area, where they could enjoy music, food, chiropractor and massage services, health screenings, and an interactive Kids Zone.
In addition to those riding as individuals or as part of a “family & friends” team, Bike for Breath welcomed a number of dedicated corporate teams. More than 79 riders joined host Applied Biosystems’ Team, while Team InterMune earned the distinction of top fundraisers by bringing in close to $75,000! And uniting all 500+ riders was a passion to make a difference and help those suffering from lung disease.
“For the 2nd straight year, I'm riding in honor of my Grandfather who passed away sometime ago from emphysema,” said Janneh Merritt, a Brisbane resident who rode with Team Genentech. “The overwhelming response I received from supporters last year encouraged me to ride again and my only hope is that raising money will aid those with similar conditions.
Breathe California would like to extend its deepest appreciation to its top Bike for Breath 2008 sponsors Applied Biosystems and InterMune. Thanks also go out to Genetech; Toyota; Walgreens; the Bay Area Air Quality Management District; Broncus; Nikon; Burr, Pliger & Mayer, LLP; CBS 5/CW Bay Area; the San Francisco Examiner; Granite Construction Company; Roche; Trader Joe’s; Mike’s Bikes and Webcor.
Celebrating its 100th year in the Bay Area, Breathe California is dedicated to fighting lung disease, advocating for clean air and promoting public health in its local communities. For more information on the Bike for Breath, please visit HYPERLINK "http://www.bike4breath.org" or call1-877-3-BREATHE.
Media Contact: Dave Low
(408) 998-5865, david@lungsrus.org