Our Benefiting Charities
This Tour de Pier is organized to raise funds for the following cancer charities: The Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research, The Uncle Kory Foundation and Cancer Support Community South Bay.
Founded in 1997, the Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research is a national, nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing pancreatic cancer research, and providing information, resources and support to pancreatic cancer patients and their families.
The Uncle Kory Foundation (UKF) is a non-profit, tax exempt 501(c)(3) organization inspired by the life of Kory Lewis Hunter. UKF’s mission is to advance innovative and collaborative brain cancer research to specifically improve the survival rate and treatment of those diagnosed with brain cancer.
Since 1987, the mission of Cancer Support Community South Bay has been to ensure that all people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action, and sustained by community. Cancer Support Community South Bay provides support to cancer patients and their loved ones with psychosocial, educational, and mind/body programs all free of charge.
Our Story
Jon Hirshberg, who started the first LA Cancer Challenge after the loss of his father Ron in 1997, came across the idea of doing a spin bike fundraiser after learning about an event that raised over $3 million in one day at cycling studios across the country. Jon approached his friend and long-time cycling enthusiast, Heath Gregory, about the idea of putting on a one-day event in their hometown of Manhattan Beach, CA. Coincidentally, Heath had participated in a similar event in Barcelona during the 2009 Tour de France and vividly remembered the spectacle of hundreds of riders moving in unison all for a common cause. His response was, "I'm all in." With the Foundation on board to produce the event and a team of board members eager to participate, planning for the Tour de Pier began.
After months of preparation, the Inaugural Tour de Pier was held in May 2013 at the iconic Manhattan Beach Pier and raised over $339,000 for our charities. Within three days of the event, the City of Manhattan Beach granted approval for the following year. By our 4th year, we set our sights on hitting $1 million mark and surpassed that milestone. In 2019, we raised more than $1.5 million. After our 10th year, we surpassed the $10 million fundraising mark. Since 2013, Tour de Pier has raised more than $13.3 million for cancer charities.
The Facts
- Since 2013, Tour de Pier has raised more than $13.3 million for cancer charities
- The Hirshberg Foundation, founded in 1997, is devoted to finding a cure for pancreatic cancer
- Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest of all cancers
- The Uncle Kory Foundation is dedicated to empowering and inspiring all people affected by cancer, with a focus on brain cancer
- Glioblastomas (GBM) are the most dangerous and aggressive form of brain cancer
- The Cancer Support Community offers all of their services for free
- Since 1987, the Cancer Support Community has been serving the South Bay, so that no one faces cancer alone