Cycle for Life Event Takes Center Stage for Promotion and Awareness During Statewide Celebration of Entrepreneurs and Innovation
Startup Maryland (startupmd.org), an initiative driven By Entrepreneurs … For Entrepreneurs, today announced a teaming relationship with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to promote the CF Cycle for Life charity bike ride event during Startup Maryland’s 2013 Pitch Across Maryland Tour and Celebration of Entrepreneurship.
Beyond promoting the charity ride, Startup Maryland has formed Team Startup Maryland and challenges its 600+ startup members to join the team or donate here. Additionally, Startup Maryland challenges other corporate teams to “Raise their Game” and donations in order to find a cure.
The 3rd annual CF Cycle for Life bicycle tour will be held October 20, 2013 at the picturesque Herrington Harbour Marina in Deale, MD.
“Three stellar routes (20, 40, or 60 miles) will traverse through some of the most beautiful and scenic landscape in Maryland, with many breathtaking views along the western shore of Maryland’s treasured Chesapeake Bay, stated Michael Binko, CEO of kloudtrack® and founder / co-chair of Startup MD. “With plenty of well-stocked rest-stops, mechanical/vehicle/medical support along the way, the CF Cycle for Life bike ride has a “grand tour” feel and has quickly become one of the region’s best and most memorable charity gatherings and we are delighted to offer our support,” added Binko.
Over 200 cyclists will ride with over 39 Corporate, CF Family and other teams. Individual riders are also encouraged to participate in ride. The CF Cycle for Life culminates with a “Rolling Thunder” after-party along the water at Herrington Harbour Marina with fun BBQ prepared by Herrington on the Bay, complete with music, beer, and lots of unforgettable good times and memories.
“CF Cycle for Life, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s premier cycling event, is taking place in over 40 cities to generate critical funds to fight cystic fibrosis, a fatal genetic disease,” said Marc Kantrowitz, Director of Development, for Maryland CF Cycle for Life. “Support from organizations like Startup Maryland contribute greatly to awareness and research related to cure efforts. The 2013 goal of CF Cycle for Life is to raise nearly $4 million nationwide for CF research, education and CF patient care.”
The 2013 edition of the Pitch Across Maryland is the second annual state-wide tour and celebration of entrepreneurship and innovation communities. Referred to by FOX News affiliate WBOC-TV 16 as Opportunity on Wheels, the inaugural Pitch Across Maryland tour was an overwhelming success last year and this year’s offering is has already caused a splash with the Sept. 9 first stop on the Boardwalk in Ocean City, MD. Check out a nice TV-news segment from WMDT ABC-47 here. The bus will traverse the state (and the broader region) all in the name of celebrating entrepreneurship.
This year’s Pitch Across Maryland culminates with the Last Step … Innovation Celebration which will be held on September 27 on The Promenade at UNDER ARMOUR worldwide headquarters in South Baltimore. Watch for more details related to the event which will be announced soon – tickets information can be found here.
The Pitch Across Maryland is intended to shine the spotlight on entrepreneurs, innovations and resources that exist just under the radar but have the potential to ignite the next high-growth companies. Details on the tour stops and schedule can be found here: Pitch Across Maryland Schedule
At each stop, Startup Maryland and Tour Sponsors/Partners co-host rallies sharing information about the incredible entrepreneurial resources across the state. Additionally, entrepreneurs are provided coaching, guidance and support from mentors and other leaders from TEDCO, DBED as well as active angel/VC investors.
About the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is the world’s leader in the search for a cure for cystic fibrosis. The Foundation funds more CF research than any other organization, and nearly every CF drug available today was made possible because of Foundation support. Based in Bethesda, Md., the Foundation also supports and accredits a national care center network that has been recognized by the National Institutes of Health as a model of care for a chronic disease. For more information, go to www.cff.org. Cystic fibrosis affects about 30,000 adults and children in the United States and 70,000 people worldwide. It causes debilitating lung infections that lead to premature death. More than 10 million Americans are symptomless carries of a defective CF gene.
About Startup Maryland
Startup Maryland (startupmd.org) is a regions initiative launched out of UpGlobal – an entity fostered jointly by the Case Foundation and The Kauffman Foundation for Entrepreneurship. Startup Maryland is an initiative FOR entrepreneurs BY entrepreneurs to bring entrepreneurial resources together, improve awareness/celebration and increase access to capital / deal flow and mentorship, while also bringing together entrepreneurs in a community of support to drive greater economic outcomes.