Shelton, CT The William Raveis Charitable Fund (WRCF) raised a total of $325,000 for the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation (Damon Runyon) and the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in 2020. The WRCF has raised nearly $3 million for Damon Runyon since 2015, benefiting some of the most promising scientists conducting cutting-edge research to find a cure for cancer. For the first time, the Damon Runyon board of directors generously offered to donate a dollar-for-dollar match up to $125,000 for the funds raised by WRCF’s annual Ride + Walk event, which was virtual this year. Also, in an effort to further their commitment to a cure for cancer, WRCF diversified and donated a portion of their proceeds to the Dana Farber Institute as well. The Dana Farber Institute is committed to providing adults and children with cancer with the best treatment available today while developing tomorrow’s cures through cutting-edge research.

“We are astounded by the innovative scientists from both institutions whose dedication to their work does not waiver — even under the unprecedented circumstances of the pandemic,” said Meghan Raveis, the director of the WRCF. “There is still cancer to fight, and we followed their lead by remaining steadfast in our fundraising commitment to the cause with new and creative ways.” 

The William Raveis Charitable Fund’s biggest fundraising event, the annual Raveis Ride + Walk, is held in Norwalk, Conn., attracting more than 650 people who ride 12, 25 or 50 miles, or walk 5K. Due to the spread of the coronavirus, WRCF changed the 2020 event to a virtual fundraiser held from October 1 through December 31 throughout Raveis’ nine-state footprint.

More than 250 participants raised funds and completed their ride or walk on their own time.

“Our Raveis community showed dedication and ingenuity this year as they continued to fundraise and aim to make a real impact benefiting cancer research once again,” added Raveis.

The WRCF has raised nearly $3 million for Damon Runyon over their six-year collaboration. WRCF has funded 16 scientists who are researching 10 different types of cancer at nine different institutions in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York. Damon Runyon identifies the brightest early-career scientists with innovative research ideas and provides them with funding to pursue new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat all forms of cancer. Since 1946 this exceptional organization has invested nearly $375 million and funded more than 3,750 young scientists, including 12 Nobel Laureates.

In a new partnership this year, WRCF is donating a portion of the Ride + Walk proceeds to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Founded in Boston in 1947, the institute blends leading science and exceptional care into transformative medicine. Dana-Farber is a principal teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School and federally designated a Comprehensive Cancer Center that develops and disseminates innovative patient therapies and scientific discoveries throughout the world. Since 1948, the Jimmy Fund has raised millions of dollars through thousands of community efforts to advance Dana-Farber’s lifesaving mission.

“We thank all the healthcare workers throughout our country,” said Raveis. “Those on the frontlines of coronavirus, and those fighting the diseases that will still be here once the pandemic is gone, each and every one have our deepest admiration and gratitude.”