The St. Louis Community united Sept. 24-25 with a common goal of curing all cancers for everyone, as they came together to celebrate Pedal the Cause weekend. During the festivities, financial-services firm Edward Jones announced its commitment to the cause by donating $1 million over the next three years to Pedal the Cause. These funds will be used to offset operational expenses, allowing Pedal the Cause to donate 100 percent of all participant fundraising to cancer research.

Fueled by the desire to create a world without cancer, more than 4,000 participants not only rode their bikes on courses ranging from 10 to 100 miles, but also enjoyed the Ameren Kids Challenge, the Athleta Spin Zone, Taste the Cause sponsored by True Refrigeration, the Barefoot Cruiser Cup sponsored by Glazer’s, and the Inspirational Program sponsored by Spire. It was during the Inspirational Program on Saturday night when Pedal the Cause Executive Director Jay Indovino announced the Edward Jones pledge.

“Our firm’s culture is driven by our spirit of volunteerism and desire to help make a difference in the lives of others,” said Dan Timm, Edward Jones’ principal responsible for branch development. “One of the ways we give back is by contributing time and resources to support the work of philanthropic organizations whose work impacts so many in our community. We are so pleased with our relationship with Pedal the Cause, the Siteman Cancer Center and St. Louis Children’s Hospital. This event has grown to be one of the largest fundraisers in the St. Louis community and a good share of that is due to the 100-percent donation model that all the sponsorships provide.”

Pedal the Cause is unique in that 100 percent of public donations stay in St. Louis to accelerate lifesaving cancer research. This “100-percent model” is made possible by the generous sponsorship of companies such as Edward Jones. Since 2011, Edward Jones has been the presenting sponsor of Pedal the Cause and the leader in corporate giving. In addition, the Edward Jones team tops the list of corporate fundraisers, having raised more than $1.5 million for cancer research over the last six years.

“The Pedal the Cause family is coming off of our biggest and most successful event yet, feeling inspired and energized as we see the impact of the last seven years emerging in real outcomes,” said Indovino. “We are making huge strides in the treatment of cancer, and we can all be proud of the part Pedal the Cause has played in these new vaccines, treatments and potential cures. Our partnership with Edward Jones has been the backbone of Pedal the Cause since the beginning, as they have allowed us to maintain our 100-percent model year after year. We are thrilled to have them back as our presenting sponsor, and are humbled by their incredible generosity.”

Over the past seven years, Pedal the Cause participants have raised over $15 million to seed world-class cancer research right here in St. Louis. Although the 2016 event is over, fundraising continues until October 31, 2016. Participants have already raised over $2.6 million this year and are aiming to cross the $3.6 million mark before the deadline. Visit www.pedalthecause.org to make a general donation or donate to your favorite rider or team.