Panera Bread holds first Woo-man Tour to Cure

  • by Jackie Buckwalter
  • August 18, 2010
  • 363
                        
When Panera Bread moves into a neighborhood they look to be more than just the best eating-place in town. They look for ways to connect and partner with the community. In keeping with these goals, Panera Bread of Wooster and Mansfield are working together “to sponsor the first, and hopefully annual, Woo-Man Tour to Cure,” said Greg Collins, district manager. The tour will take place Sunday, September 19 starting at 8 a.m. It will offer 20, 50 and 100-mile bike routes with sponsorships going toward raising cancer awareness and treatment for Wooster Community Hospital and the Pat Kracker Breast Cancer Fund. The ride will begin at the Wooster or Mansfield Panera Bread with a “breakfast sampling” for all riders,” said Collins. From there, the 20 miles riders will loop out and back to Wooster or Mansfield and the 50 mile and century riders will continue on to Ashland Winfield Bed and Breakfast, where refreshments and restrooms will be available. While 50-mile riders will loop back to Wooster or Mansfield, the century riders will make their way to Mansfield or Wooster, where they will be treated to lunch at a Panera Café before beginning the ride back. Drink stations and mechanical support and rest stations will be spread out along the route. Entry fee is $40 and each participant will receive a T-shirt, water bottle, bandana, and breakfast, lunch and snacks provided by Panera. Participants who raise $200 or more will receive a Woo-Man cycling jersey. Jerseys will also be available for sale for $49. “We’re hoping to raise awareness and funds for cancer because it’s something that most of us can relate to,” said Collins. “Unfortunately it touches most of us at some point in our lives.” The Pat Kracker Breast Cancer Fund was established in 1996 “in honor of Mansfield resident Pat Kracker, who lost her battle with breast cancer on her 61st birthday,” said Collins. The fund is currently affiliated with the Mansfield Cancer Foundation to offer “education, referrals and financial assistance to help with the cost of breast cancer related experiences.” Wooster Community Hospital has been a recipient of Panera’s breast cancer awareness campaign for the past two years as Panera has donated a portion of their Pink Ribbon Bagel sales each October (breast cancer awareness month) to the hospital. Funds are used for “breast cancer education efforts at the hospital,” said David Rhoad, director of marketing and public relations. “Panera approached us again this year and offered to donate proceeds from this new event to the same cause. We are so grateful for Panera’s efforts and passion for breast cancer education.” Targeted pledge levels are $200 for the 20-mile route, $500 for the 50-mile route and $1000 for the century ride. Pledge forms and more information are available at WooManTour.com. Sponsors include Best Buy and Richland Bank. In-Kind Sponsors include Ride On, Bikesmith Cycling & Fitness, Best Bike Shop and Mid-Ohio Bikers.


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