The Rochester chapter of the American Diabetes Association hopes to be part of an elite group next month. The organization's "Tour de Cure" bike ride to raise awareness and research dollars for diabetes has a goal of $1 million.
Local ADA executive director Travis Heider says if that goal is reached, the Rochester chapter would be one of only four nationwide to hit the million dollar mark. Heider says the June 2 event has drawn the participation of 14 Rochester area CEOs and approximately 6 other senior executives. He says corporate sponsors know the value of supporting diabetes research, as the disease consumes one of every five health care dollars spent in America. "When you start to look at companies and their rise in health care costs and the loss of productivity in the workplace, you really start to make a business case for getting involved. A lot of these companies are self insured."
Jay Wright, chief operating officer for Constellation Brands, says he and his team will be taking part in the event. "It's a tough disease, and folks at work saw the opportunity to get involved in a very fun and fulfilling day of cycling, whether you want to ride with your family for three miles or whether you want to be part of a long journey." Some cyclists will be competing in the 100 mile Century ride. There are more than 1,900 participants registered for the event.