It takes an enormous commitment to wage a war on cancer, as Pelotonia has done since its inception five years ago.
At every turn, Pelotonia’s major funding partners—Huntington National Bank, Limitedbrands Foundation, and Peggy and Richard Santulli—have been there. Thanks to their extraordinary generosity, Pelotonia has raised more than $61 million following a Dec. 5 check presentation for $19,007,104, the total raised by the 2013 event.
By aligning their brands and resources with Pelotonia and believing in the event’s mission to fund life-saving cancer research, these sponsors have played a critical role in taking a new, previously unheard-of event and making it a household name in central Ohio and beyond.
“The fact is that Huntington National Bank, Limited Brands, and Peggy and Richard Santulli are the top tier of the many partners that are necessary to make Pelotonia a success. Each of these partners has believed in Pelotonia from the start and has made it the gold standard for grassroots fundraising in Ohio,” says Stephen Chaykowski, assistant vice president of advancement at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James). (See sidebar for the list of generous Pelotonia partners.)
Support from Huntington, Limited Brands, the Santullis and other sponsors has fully covered operational costs for the massive event—a tremendous gift that enables 100 percent of the funds raised by riders to go directly to cancer research. Explains Michael A. Caligiuri, MD, director of the OSUCCC and chief executive officer of The James, “Our major sponsors have had a remarkable impact that reverberates beyond their initial investments. Their support has helped to leverage a network of giving, and because of them, people who support our riders can feel good that 100 percent of their donations go directly to life-saving cancer research.”
Beyond providing financial support at the corporate level, Pelotonia major sponsors Huntington and Limited Brands have also generated significant support for the event through their corporate pelotons. Thousands of employees represent the companies as riders, virtual riders or volunteers whose donations of time and talent help to make Pelotonia a success.
Limited Brands’ super peloton, consisting of six total pelotons, is the highest grossing peloton in the event, having raised nearly $7 million over the past five years. More than 3,000 members representing various brands and functions of the company ride alongside others in the community who want to bring an end to cancer. The super peloton’s captain, Limited Brands Chairman and CEO Leslie Wexner, has repeatedly demonstrated his commitment to the fight against cancer through his extensive personal and corporate giving. Wexner’s wife Abigail and their four children also ride in the event each year.
Team Huntington, the super peloton representing 13 Huntington-affiliated teams of riders, contains 2,150 members who together have raised about $2.8 million. Team Huntington’s captain Steven Steinour, chairman, president and CEO of the corporation, is a firm supporter of cancer research. He enjoys riding alongside other Huntington employees each August.
The excitement generated by Limited Brands’ and Huntington’s super pelotons is genuine and irreplaceable. Indeed, it is that excitement that has fueled the event’s success over the past five years.
“As we think about that amazing number— $61 million raised since Pelotonia began—and look at all the promising research that has come out of it, we have to give huge credit to our major sponsors,” says Dr. Caligiuri. “Without Huntington, Limited Brands, and our friends the Santullis, none of this would be possible.”
Support from these partners is crucial so that Pelotonia is able to direct 100 percent of every dollar raised to life-saving cancer research at the OSUCCC – James.
Major Funding Partners
Huntington National Bank
Limitedbrands Foundation
Peggy and Richard Santulli
Supporting Funding Partners
American Electric Power
Nationwide Insurance
Notable Funding Partners
Cardinal Health
Harold C. Schott Foundation
Kenyon College
Scotts Miracle-Gro
Notable In-Kind Partners
Archbold Container Corporation
Bob Evans
EAS Sports Nutrition
Funtrail.com
Gatorade
Giant Eagle
JD Equipment Inc.
Kenda
Koorsen Fire & Security
Genuine Muscle Milk
New World Van Lines
Pepsi Co.
Red Roof Inn
Ticketbud
Tropical Foods
Yakima
Velvet Ice Cream
Zone Perfect