Established in 2008, Pelotonia was founded with the objective to contribute funding to life-saving cancer research. Originally focused on a community of passionate fundraisers and centered around a three-day experience of cycling, entertainment, and volunteerism, the Pelotonia of today is much different after the monumental changes dictated by a global pandemic in 2020. The Pelotonia website now additionally offers fundraisers the chance to “pursue your own challenge” by registering as a Challenger – structuring a personal challenge with up to 5 activity goals while collecting donor contributions.
Even today, the Pelotonia model remains simple: all operating expenses are covered by funding partners so that 100% of every dollar raised by Pelotonia riders, challengers, virtual riders and volunteers goes directly to fund cancer research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute. Their website, pelotonia.org, provides extensive information for riders, virtual riders, challengers and donors.
With more than $217 million raised for high-risk, high-reward cancer research and over 7,500 participating from across the United States and beyond, this event is only possible with its annual volunteers and funding partners. The riders and challengers, also volunteering their time to both participate and focus on fundraising, most often have joined in remembrance of a loved-one, friend or the desire to pay-it-forward after winning their own personal battle with cancer.
Heartland Bank’s participation began with a joint cause. On one hand, it was a simple idea for a wellness opportunity for Heartland Bank associates. On the other hand, sponsoring the team, affectionately named Tiney’s Team, became a way to honor the founder of Heartland Bank, Tiney McComb, who lost his battle with cancer in 2012. During his career, he was an inspiration to several of the members of the Heartland Peloton. He was not only a brilliant businessman, but he also devoted many hours of his time to community service and family activities. Even though Tiney’s war on cancer in no way defined him, Heartland remembers his struggles and supports Pelotonia to honor him, those battling cancer now and those hoping for a cancer-free future.
Since 2012, Heartland Bank has raised $186,820. For this year, the Pelotonia committee at Heartland Bank is fundraising with a Jersey Mike’s lunch, Pops on the Patio and Spirit Week. Donating has begun for this year, and all riders/challengers are well on their way to a great year!
The 2021 riders/challengers for Heartland Bank are Traci Bayless, Elliot Clark (Ft. Thomas, Kentucky), Jay Eggspuehler, Christine Greene, Jonathan Heberline, Sarah Ketty (captain), Mark Klettlinger, Kevin Koesters, Ross Marks, Scott McComb, Daniel Miller, Louis Santos, Tyler Searight, Ashley Vannoy (Northwest Florida Region) and Alice Wickham.
If you’re attending the event as a rider or spectator on August 6→8, look for the riders who proudly wear the Heartland Bank logo and cheer them on as they give 100% to support this Central Ohio mission. We invite you to stop in to any one of our 18 Heartland Bank locations where you’ll receive the same dedication to excellence that our Tiney’s Team has given to Pelotonia for the last ten years!