Tour de Cure is a series of fundraising cycling events to benefit the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Ally O'Connor manages the events' Chicago operations on behalf of the ADA.
Describe what your job entails.
As one of the ADA’s Chicagoland Tour de Cure managers, I am responsible for recruiting high-level volunteer leadership for our corporate teams and event committees; managing participants and ensuring they achieve their maximum potential in fundraising, teambuilding and understanding of diabetes and the overall mission of the association; and planning all logistical aspects of our cycling event and a post-ride music festival.
Briefly describe the event.
For the past three years, we’ve hosted our event at Two Brothers Roundhouse in Aurora. The Two Brothers staff has graciously welcomed our 2,000-plus riders, volunteers and spectators while providing a fun environment and delicious food and beer options for participants to celebrate their fundraising success and cycling accomplishments.
Year after year, the Aurora community and surrounding suburbs have partnered with the ADA and Two Brothers to ensure safe routes and an entertaining festival. With one of the fastest growing Tour de Cure’s in the country, our Chicagoland ride is getting bigger and bigger and moving to RiverEdge Park, the 30-acre concert venue across the street, in 2016.
Was anyone particularly helpful in executing the event?
The Tour de Cure staff worked very closely with the Aurora CVB, and particularly Mike Pfeiffer. Mike has always been an advocate for the association and Aurora community, and has helped grow our event over the past years.
What did your attendees seem to enjoy the most about meeting in Aurora?
The five routes we offer, spanning the scenic Illinois Prairie Path and some of the best road of Kane and DuPage counties, are always a rider favorite. When riders cross the finish line, the camaraderie and celebration among companies and families is special to see and feel, and it all takes place in the heart of Aurora.
Would you return/recommend Aurora to other planners?
Yes, the Aurora community, and help from the Aurora CVB, has drawn the American Diabetes Association back to Aurora year after year. Plus, our Tour de Cure riders look forward to this event and venue every June.
