Pelotonia 2017: The Basement Doctor joins Power of the Pedal: Team Solove in the fight against cancer

The Basement Doctor had the honor of once again participating in this year’s Pelotonia, a grassroots bike tour with one goal: end cancer. While the bike tour takes place over a single weekend, fundraising efforts take place year-round, and we were proud to be a part of several events leading up to the big ride the weekend of August 4 - 6.

On August 2, The Basement Doctor served as the presenting sponsor for the 9^th Annual Power of the Pedal: Team Solove Gala at Bon vie Bistro at Easton TownCenter. The gala takes place ahead of the opening ceremony to assist their team of riders in raising even more money for this cause. To help spread the word about the gala, our Basement Doctor team walked with Power of the Pedal: Team Solove riders in the Bexley 4th of July parade and handed out flyers with event information. We also created several marketing pieces, including save the dates, email blasts and a social media countdown.

The event successfully raised thousands of dollars that will go directly to cancer research at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Institute. The total raised was added to the amounts raised by the individual riders. 

The Basement Doctor team with Pelotonia riders at the July Fourth parade.

Ron Greenbaum speaking about his commitment to this important cause at the Gala.

Those who attended enjoyed inspirational speakers, live entertainment by DJ MDizzle, food and drinks, and both a live and silent auction filled with fantastic prize packages. Each year, Power of the Pedal remembers someone who has lost their life to cancer, and this year they honored Carol Fox. Fox was the first female president of Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania and Maryland, who died in 2014 from endometrial cancer. During her 31- year career with Columbia Gas, Carol had profound influence and devotion to her company and community.

Basement Doctor IT Manager Adam Bankhurst with HR Manager Sarah Bailey and husband Brandon, enjoying the evening's festivities.

Power of the Pedal had 24 members participate in fundraising this year, including Maria Durant of ABC 6/Fox 28, and Kelley Douglas, owner of Stile Salon at Easton. Most of the riders biked an incredible 100 miles from Columbus to Gambier. 

The team had the opportunity to appear on Good Day Columbus before the Gala.

Two of our own Basement Doctor team members, Betsy and Adam Bankhurst, took part as riders and had an amazing experience. This was the second year for Betsy, but this was Adam's first time participating. 

"Betsy and I were so honored and proud to be a part of Pelotonia and Power of the Pedal: Team Solove. Saturday was one of the greatest and most fulfilling days of my life, and while it was challenging, I was so inspired and moved by the thousands of people who came together for one goal. I will never forget this experience, and I can’t wait to ride again and continue my fight until this horrible disease is gone, once and for all," he said.

Betsy and Adam Bankhurst representing The Basement Doctor at this year's ride.

The fundraising efforts of the team have resulted in more than $100,000 in donations. Riders can continue to get funds up to October 6. To learn more about this amazing cause, visit pelotonia.org and visit our Facebook page for more pictures from the Gala and ride.

The team celebrating after the ride!

One Goal End Cancer! The Basement Doctor sponsors a Pelotonia team at this year's ride

The weekend of August 5 -7, The Basement Doctor had the honor of sponsoring Power of the Pedal: Team Solove in this year's Pelotonia ride.  Pelotonia is a grassroots bike tour with one goal: end cancer. 

Since it began in 2009, the tour has raised over $106 million for cancer research. While the bike tour takes place over a weekend, the fundraising efforts are year-round, with 100 percent of the donations directed to research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute.

Power of the Pedal had 20 members participate in fundraising this year, including Maria Durant of ABC 6 / Fox 28, and Kelley Douglas, owner of Stile Salon at Easton. Most of the riders biked an incredible 100 miles from Columbus to Gambier. One of our own Basement Doctor team members, Betsy Bankhurst, also took part in the event for the first time as a rider and had an amazing experience. She says she can’t wait to do it again next year.

“The peloton is truly a team,” she said. "We have been training together all summer and encouraged each other along the way. We also could not have done it without the external support along the ride.”

The fundraising efforts of the team have resulted in more than $67,000 in donations. Riders can continue to get funds up to October 7. To learn more about this amazing cause, visit pelotonia.org. And to see more pictures from the fundraising gala and Pelotonia weekend, visit Power of the Pedal: Team Solove's Facebook page.

Showing support for Pelotonia 2016 at this year's Power of the Pedal Gala

On Wednesday, August 3, several local celebrities joined Pelotonia supporters and riders at the 8th Annual Power of the Pedal Team Solove Gala Event at Bon Vie Bistro at Easton. The Basement Doctor presented the event and was proud to be a part of such a memorable evening that included inspirational speakers, fun live entertainment, food and drinks, a 50/50 Raffle, and both a live and silent auction filled with amazing prize packages.

Shelley Meyer speaking during the VIP Reception

The gala takes place ahead of the Pelotonia opening ceremony to help their team of riders raise even more funds for this important cause. This year, the gala successfully raised thousands of dollars that will go directly to cancer research at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Institute. The total raised will be added to the amounts raised by the individual riders and announced after the ride is completed this Sunday, August 7.

The gala was hosted by Maria Durant of ABC 6/ Fox 28 and Kelley Douglas of Stile Salon & Spa, and was emceed by ABC 6 / Fox 28 meteorologist Phil Kelly and Good Day Columbus weekend anchor Adam Slinger. The first lady of Buckeye Football Shelley Meyer spoke along with several cancer survivors, and the doctors Denis Guttridge and Michael Galigiuri of the James Cancer Hospital. All delivered powerful messages of hope. 

The Basement Doctor was presented with a team jersey

Each year, Power of the Pedal remembers someone who has lost their life to cancer, and this year they honored Franklin County Sheriff Jim Karnes with the Richard J. Solove Award. Jim was the longest serving sheriff in Franklin County, having served for over 48 years.

The gala was the perfect start for what will surely be an exciting Pelotonia weekend. Riders on Power of the Pedal Team Solove have committed riding anywhere from 25 miles to 180 miles. In addition to being the presenting sponsor for the gala, one of our own Basement Doctor team members Betsy Greenbaum will be riding this weekend. We wish her the best of luck!

To learn more about Pelotonia and to make a donation to the team or to an individual rider, please click here.