Verona Beach, NY -- The American Diabetes Association has received more than $140,000 from a bike-riding fundraiser held on Sunday.
More than 550 bicyclists gathered at Verona Beach State Park for the Tour de Cure, an annual bike ride to fight diabetes. The ride, sponsored by the American Diabetes Association, offered five different courses for riders to choose from.
The event drew cyclists of all ages and riders chose courses that ranged from 15 miles to 100 miles, the latter being recommended only for experienced riders.
"This is for all ages; it's for the kids, for moms and dads, for grams and grandpa," said Michael Viti, chairman of the ADA chapter in Utica.
Viti said that despite the difficult economy, this year's event drew more riders than ever before.
"We talk about how tough the economy is and how things are really hitting everybody but you know what, people still come together," said Viti. "They do their job and they feel responsible themselves to help fight the cause and try to find a cure."
Riders were required to raise a minimum of $150 in order to participate in the ride.
Officials say donations will continue to come in until the end of the month.
Similar events were held on Sunday in five other locations throughout New York.
According to the ADA, there are 23.6 million Americans living with diabetes, including 5.7 million who do not even know they have the disease.
To see NCC's Kevin Wallace's video of this story, please click below.
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