Tour de Pier raises $1,000,000

By Emily Dubinsky

Staff Writer

The fourth annual Tour de Pier took place on May 15 at the Manhattan Beach Pier and raised approximately $1,000,000 to support the Cancer Support Community, the Hirshberg Foundation and the Uncle Kory Foundation.

Tour de Pier is an unique fundraising event that brings stationary cycling to the Manhattan Beach Pier. More than 1600 riders gathered at the Manhattan Beach pier to raise money for the Cancer Support Community, the Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research and the Uncle Kory Foundation.

“I believe this event is so special to the South Bay community because so many people have been affected by cancer in one way or another,” Tour de Pier co-Founder Jon Hirshberg said. “Tour de Pier raises awareness and the much needed dollars to support cancer research.”

With the help of sponsors such as Sketchers, Fit On Studios, the Bay Club, BNY Mellon and ENI JR286, the events funds raised and size has increased since last year. Local cycling studio, FitOn, provides high-energy instructors to lead the massive crowd in all five 1 hour sessions.

“We have been overwhelmed by the local businesses and community support we have received,” Hirshberg said.

In the four years since the event’s opening in May 2013, it has continued to surpass its goals and impress the community with its blueprint. The first Tour de Pier raised over $339,000 for their charities. This year, the event raised over one million.

“We are so proud of the money we are raising for our charities,” Hirshberg said. “Philanthropy is very important to me personally and I feel honored to be associated with this event.”

The city of Manhattan Beach rarely grants special permits to use the Strand and pier for public events. However, in 2013, Hirshberg approached Mayor Wayne Powell, and he agreed that this was a perfect fit and gave the permission needed to implement Tour de Pier.

“The City of Manhattan Beach has gone above and beyond to allow us to continue our Tour de Pier event,” Hirshberg said. “Manhattan Beach is not only the perfect backdrop, but it has also proven to be a great partner in producing this event.”