How road warrior Maritza Torres Rivera is supporting the cancer cause
When you sign up for Empire State Ride, you’re committing to raising critical funds for lifesaving cancer research.
When you sign up for Empire State Ride, you commit to riding 500+ miles across New York State on the seat of your bike and raising critical funds for cancer research. Maybe you’re an experienced cyclist who knows they’re ready to conquer the road but the thought of raising $3,500 has you hesitating to sign up. Or maybe, you’ve already signed up and have no idea how to get started toward reaching your goal. Wherever you are in your journey to Empire State Ride, we’ve got you covered with tips to help you reach the fundraising finish line (and have fun doing it!).
One of the best ways to fundraise is to see how fellow road warriors are rising to the challenge. We sat down with veteran road warrior and Excelsior rider Maritza Torres Rivera of Team Borikén to see how she raised more than $10,000 last year.
Her advice?
1) Start early.
“While meeting the minimum fundraising requirement allows Team Borikén to be part of the 500+ mile ride, we see exceeding that goal as a concrete way to further our mission to eradicate cancer as soon as possible. As soon as the event wraps up in July, I begin brainstorming ideas for the following year. By August, I’ve already secured the date for my first fundraising event at Chipotle.”
2) Offer an incentive in return for a donation.
“Our most effective campaigns offer donors something in return, even small gestures like a doughnut or a cookie, which show gratitude for their generosity.”
Here are a few examples of fundraisers that have worked for Maritza and Team Borikén:
- Dough-nate for a Doughnut Campaign: Held multiple times a year individually or collectively at locations like breweries, gyms, farmers’ markets, fairs and supermarkets. Team Borikén gets donuts from Krispy Kreme’s fundraising program, which provides discounted rates.
- Restaurant Fundraisers: Like Chipotle events, partnerships with Chili’s and Macaroni Grill allow a percentage of sales (20-25%) to support the cause during specific dates and times.
- Raffle Ticket Sales: Selling 100-200 tickets for prizes like $100 gift cards or football squares.
- Wine & Chill Events: Neighborhood gatherings where donors receive a glass of wine for contributions of $5 or more, fostering community bonds while raising funds.
- Special Gym Events: Hosting classes like spin sessions at CycleBar, where the gym provides the space, instructor and promotion, and all proceeds go to ESR fundraising efforts.
- “Make Your Mark on My Jersey” Campaign: For a donation, individuals can add names or dedications to a jersey worn during one of the seven ride days. This honors cancer survivors and memorializes loved ones.
- Merchandise Sales: Partner with Bonfire to design and sell shirts, hats, and hoodies. These require no upfront investment and allow for creativity within ESR’s brand guidelines.
- 100 x $100 for Hope Campaign: Sending postcards urging friends, including past donors, to join an elite group of heroes donating $100 to fight cancer.
- Personalized Sponsor Requests: Writing tailored letters or emails to individuals or entities seeking their support. These efforts are more successful when personalized with shared experiences. In some cases, sponsors are offered visibility, such as wearing a jersey with their company logo, in exchange for donations over $500.
- Social Media Engagement: Regular posts on Facebook and Instagram capitalizing on holidays, birthdays and special occasions to remind friends of our mission. This increased activity boosts traffic to profiles, sometimes resulting in surprise donations from friends or strangers.
Ready to follow Maritza’s lead and rise to the challenge? Register for ESR 2025, log in to your fundraising dashboard and get started today!
Not sure where to start? Ask the ESR Fundraising Team!
If you’re still in need of assistance, ask the ESR Fundraising Team! Fundraising is what we do. If you need some help reaching your goal, contact us. We will guide you with tips and tools to make the process as smooth as possible. Reach out to us at empirestateride@roswellpark.org
With support from your ESR community, fundraising doesn’t have to be another hill to climb on your journey. Instead, it can be an exciting part of the adventure! You’ve got this.