Over 400 riders turned out to show their support of the Benedictine Health Foundation’s 10th Annual Bike for Cancer Care held on Sunday, September 15, 2013, to benefit the Foundation’s Rosemary D. Gruner Memorial Cancer Fund.

The event was held at Dietz Stadium in Kingston and featured a Bike Rodeo, Family Fun Ride, and 12-, 25- and 50-mile routes throughout Ulster County.

At the end of the day, riders, sponsors and volunteers celebrated the success of bringing in just over $100,000 at a finish line BBQ and 10th Anniversary Awards ceremony.

Dan Gruner, the event chair, said the ride was founded in memory of his mother, who passed away after a battle with cancer. “On behalf of the Gruner, Arsenault and DiDonna families, I would like to extend our deep gratitude to everyone that contributed to the success of this event.  Each year we strive to raise more money, because the more we raise enables us to help even more families fighting cancer in our community,” Gruner said.

In partnership with the Benedictine Health Foundation, the Rosemary D. Gruner Memorial Cancer Fund was established in 2004 to aid in the treatment, care, and support of cancer patients in financial need. The Fund provides assistance to eligible patients while in treatment who are residents of Ulster County regardless of the facility where they receive treatment, and residents of neighboring Hudson Valley Counties who receive treatment within Ulster County. The fund has assisted over 1000 patients and their families by providing gift cards to purchase nutritious food at Hannaford Supermarkets and/or fuel cards to Stewart’s Shops so that patients may access treatment.

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Special thanks to our Platinum Sponsors: Anita Williams Peck, Cumulus Broadcasting, Hannaford Supermarkets, Murphy Healthcare Group, River Radiology, and Timely Signs of Kingston; Gold Sponsors: Bruderhof, Colonial Roofing & Siding, Meltzer & Hill Wealth Advisory Group, M&T Bank, Rondout Savings Bank, and, Stewart’s Shops; Silver Sponsors: Ozzie & Kathy Beichert, Empire BlueCross BlueShield, Gillette Creamery, Kingston Kiwanis Club, Mobile Life Support Services, New York Communications Company, Orthopedic Associates of Dutchess County, Rose & Kiernan, Ryan & Ryan Insurance Brokers, Inc./Erie Insurance Group, The Valley Group and Ulster Savings Bank.