El Tour de Tucson, Banner – University Medicine & Banner – University Family Care present check to Pima JTED for successful 40th El Tour

After a very successful 40^th El Tour in November, El Tour and Banner – University Medicine officials presented a check to the ride’s primary beneficiary, Pima JTED.

Pima JTED has been the primary beneficiary of El Tour for the last two years.

“Banner – University Medicine’s renewed choice to designate Pima JTED’s new Mel and Enid Zuckerman Center for Health and Medical Careers as the beneficiary of El Tour de Tucson is a trifecta for our community,” said Kathy Prather, Pima JTED’s Superintendent/CEO. “Their generous contribution to Career and Technical Education will significantly impact high school students aspiring to enter healthcare careers, benefiting providers and everyone they serve for years to come. Thank you Banner – University Medicine and El Tour de Tucson for working to ensure our community’s well-being.”

In November, more than 9,000 cyclists from all over the United States and world visited Tucson for what turned out to be a great day of cycling in Southern Arizona. Banner – University Medicine & Banner – University Family Care Plan were the ride’s title sponsor. Through 70 non-profit partners involved in the ride, nearly $8 million was raised collectively during the ride.

“The Banner – University Medicine and Banner – University Family Care Plan’s partnership and investment in the El Tour de Tucson is an extension of our commitment to our community,” said Sarah Frost, CEO of Banner – University Medical Center Tucson and Banner – University Medical Center South. “Each year, Banner – University Medicine contributes more than $800 million to the Tucson community and by partnering with El Tour, we enable more than 50 community non-profit organizations to collectively raise nearly $8 million for their respective charities through their participation.”

The three-day event saw thousands of cyclists and spectators visit the downtown area as well as along the El Tour routes for Ride Day.

“We anticipated our 40^th anniversary to be one of the best ones ever and we were not disappointed,” said TJ Juskiewicz, El Tour’s executive director. “From our great sponsors to our dedicated nonprofits, it was a ride to remember. The event is to help the community rally to help nonprofits raise money through cycling, one of Tucson’s and Southern Arizona’s favorite recreations.”