San Mar Family and Community Services held the 35th edition of its largest annual fundraiser, The Great Bicycle Tour (TGBT) of the C&O Canal July 9-12, 2022. The 184.5-mile tour began in Cumberland, MD and followed the C&O Canal Tow Path for four days, ending at mile marker 0 in Washington, D.C. Nearly 160 riders joined this fundraiser to support children, families and communities in the region served through San Mar’s key programs including Treatment Foster Care, the Bester Community of Hope initiative, and the Jack E. Barr Center for Well-Being.
“TGBT is a special event where cyclists get the opportunity to create lifetime memories with friends new and old. Our development team puts energy into every detail to ensure a one-of-a-kind adventure to help raise critical funds, and it is our hope that each rider gets a first-hand experience through our acts of service and hospitality, the same intentions that we approach children, families, and communities with each day. We believe it is those efforts that bring riders and sponsors back year after year to support our cause, and we are so grateful for their partnership,” shared CEO Keith Fanjoy.
Rider fundraising has reached close to $120,000 so far, and additional donations through rider giving pages will remain open through August 31st. Sponsorship underwriting which helped make the ride possible, was received from presenting sponsor The Nora Roberts Foundation, lead sponsors The Loats Foundation, Middletown Valley Bank, Bitner Henry Insurance Group, Meritus Health, Staples Mid-Atlantic Distribution Center, and partnering sponsors SEK CPAs & Advisors, Blue Ridge Risk Partners, Younger Toyota and Patriot Federal Credit Union. Additional support was received from AC&T, Penske and a variety of local organizations including Hagerstown Ford and Lions Club chapters from Boonsboro and Hagerstown.
In the 30+ years of hosting this bicycle tour, San Mar has raised well over one and a half million dollars in support of its programs serving children and families. Donations are still gratefully accepted at www.sanmartgbt.org . Registration for next summer’s bicycle tour will open November 1, 2022 and TGBT XXXVI will take place July 8-11, 2023.
San Mar Family and Community Services, whose mission is “Cultivating Hope and Well-Being in Children, Families and Communities” has been serving the Washington County, Maryland area since 1883. Services are provided through San Mar Treatment Foster Care, the Jack E. Barr Center for Well-Being outpatient mental health services, and Bester Community of Hope prevention programs.
