For
15 years,
Jonathan Migdol has mounted his bicycle each August and
embarked on a journey across Massachusetts as part of the Pan-Mass Challenge. This
renowned annual bike-a-thon raises much-needed funds for cancer
research at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. With unwavering
dedication and a deep personal connection to the cause,
Jonathan’s participation in the PMC has become an important
annual tradition. As he gears up for his sixteenth PMC this August,
Jonathan reflects on the countless miles he has pedaled, the funds
he has raised, and the memories he has created along the
way.
Tell us a bit about your involvement with the Pan-Mass
Challenge! What initially inspired you to get involved with this
organization? How long have you been involved?
This summer, I will be participating in my sixteenth Pan-Mass
Challenge, the nation’s leading fundraising bike-a-thon,
which raises much-needed money for cancer research.
Everyone who rides in the PMC has a reason to ride. Cancer has
touched so many of us. I ride in memory of my dad, Bernie, who died
at 56 of melanoma. I ride in memory of my mom, Cynthia, who we lost
to lung cancer at 59. I ride in memory of my wife Jane’s mom,
Ruth, who passed at 47 of pancreatic cancer. I ride in memory of my
daughter-in-law Alice’s dad, Chris, who died at 57 of bile
duct cancer. I ride in support of everyone fighting this dreadful
disease with the hope that we can get one step closer to preventing
cancer and finding a cure.
Can you share any fun memories from your rides over the
years? What are some of the challenges you’ve
faced?
As its name implies, The Pan-Mass Challenge is both a physical and
a financial challenge. First and foremost, the PMC is a fundraising
mission. The PMC provides vital financial support to the Dana
Farber Cancer Institute, and donates 100 percent of every
rider-raised dollar directly to their cancer research efforts. It
is the Institute’s largest single contributor, accounting for
more than 55 percent of the annual revenue at The Jimmy Fund®.
In 2022 alone, the PMC raised a record breaking $69 million,
bringing its 43-year contribution to Dana-Farber to $900 million.
To achieve these numbers, each PMC rider commits to raising a
minimum of $6000. Last year I raised $9800, bringing my
fifteen-year total to $101,000.
Secondly, the PMC is a bike ride. The traditional PMC route is a
two-day ride from Sturbridge to Provincetown. To add to my
challenge, and as a way of thanking my supporters, I begin my
challenge each year a day early, riding from the New York state
line to Sturbridge to make it a true “pan-Mass” ride.
Over three days, I cycle a total of 300 miles.
The ride itself is incredible. Supporters line the roads with signs
thanking us for our efforts, and letting us know the difference we
are making in their lives and the lives of their loved ones. Hot or
cold, rainy or sunny, they are out there shouting their support,
and we are out there completing the ride. The camaraderie that
develops among the riders is infectious, as each rider completes
this tremendous effort for the singular goal of eliminating
cancer.
As an agent focused on philanthropic giving, how do you stay
engaged throughout the year?
In addition to the Pan-Mass Challenge, I participate both
personally and professionally in other philanthropic efforts
throughout the year. Personally, I support my friends and family
who participate in their own fundraising efforts, including the
American Heart
Association and the Alzheimer’s Association.
Professionally, I support the Ellie Fund along with my wife and Gibson
Sotheby’s International Realty colleague, Jane Migdol. This
organization provides much-needed support for breast cancer
patients. As a member of the Migdol Moore team, I often participate
in additional community-based events. This year, the team hosted a
very popular paper shredding day in Needham, providing free
shredding service to residents of Needham and the surrounding
communities. More recently, the Migdol Moore team sponsored two
scholarships to graduating seniors living in Needham. Remaining
involved with my community throughout the year is important to me,
and I’m proud to work with a team that prioritizes giving
back.
Do you
have any recommendations for those considering taking a deeper dive
into philanthropy?
My best recommendation for those considering taking a deeper dive
into philanthropy is to identify a cause which is meaningful to
you, research the various organizations that support that cause,
identify the one that can fulfill your goals, and jump right
in!
To support Jonathan’s 16th annual Pan-Mass Challenge
ride, visit www.profile.pmc.org/JM0444.
Visit
www.pmc.org to
learn more about the annual bike-a-thon, and www.dana-farber.org for more on the Dana Farber Cancer
Institute and ways you can support cancer research.
Get
in touch with
Jonathan Migdol at 781-234-8102, jonathanm@GibsonSIR.com, or by
visiting our
Needham office at 936 Great Plain Avenue.