Beginnings
In 2005, inspired by the vision of bringing a world-class running event to the Wenatchee Valley, and motivated by the recent loss of Ian’s mother, Kris Crossland, to breast cancer, Ted Finegold set the wheels in motion for the inaugural Wenatchee Marathon in April 2005. Ted partnered with Ian Crossland, and their spouses, Lynda and Wendy, and soon the Leavenworth Oktoberfest Marathon, as well as two cycling events, followed. From the beginning, the events raised funds to support cancer research. In an ironic twist, Ted was diagnosed with cancer in 2006, eventually succumbing to the disease in July, 2010. However, through Ted’s vision and tireless work, the groundwork has been laid for the future success of the events.
Remembering Ted
Ted Finegold In Memoriam
Learning From Ted
Ted 43 Dies of Cancer
TedDriven
Following Ted Finegold’s passing in July, 2010, we re-structured our organization to better reflect Ted’s legacy. In choosing a name, TedDriven felt right for several reasons:
Ted was driven.
Ted inspired and still inspires drive in others.
Ted drives us to better ourselves and the world.
TedDriven is committed to hosting premier athletic events that also serve as vehicles for philanthropic giving and fundraising.
Our Mission
The primary mission of TedDriven create premier events that inspire and celebrate the human race. Every event we produce is dedicated to that worthy cause and be doing so are are able to invest in three things we believe deeply in: Cutting edge global cancer research, local cancer survivorship support and investing in local purpose driven organizations who share our dna. Everyone knows someone who has suffered through cancer, and your race directors have been directly impacted and are committed to doing their part to fight the disease. You can help.
Events and Cancer Research
Currently, TedDriven holds three events a year, the Wenatchee Marathon in April, the Leavenworth Mai BlumenLauf in May, and the Leavenworth Marathon in October. These events allow us to continue our support for cancer research, survivorship and for many local organizations.
Each year, we make a substantial donation to Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center at Columbia University. By donating directly to the lab, we hope to produce for our sponsors, volunteers, supporters and participants, direct evidence of where the dollars from the race go to help find a cure.
Fundraising
Since our founding, TedDriven and invested more than $300,000 in cancer research, TedDriven also raises funds for a number of local organizations. TedDriven partners each year with local non-profits to produce our events. The following have been event producer partners, which TedDriven has invested between $500 and $2000 for their valuable role in bringing our events to life:
NCESD Foundation
Wenatchee Fire FC
Wenatchee Junior Velo
Relay for Life
American Cancer Society
Velocity Swim Team
Lance Armstrong Foundation
Apple City Roller Derby
Cascade High School Cross Country
IRMS Rocks! (Icicle River Middle School PTA)
Cascade High School Booster Club
Rock Island PTO
Wenatchee Banshees Hockey
Friends of NW Hatcheries
The Valley Academy Robotics Team
The King’s Garden School
If you would like to raise funds for your organization by partnering with TedDriven at an event, please contact us for details.
Donating
If you are interested in donating directly to Dr. Ryeom’s cancer research lab, donations* may be made to Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center mailed to:
Sandra Ryeom, Ph.D. Associate Director
Department of Surgery
630 West 168th Street, P&S 17-413 New York, NY 10032
711 BRB II/III
421 Curie Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA 19104-6160
Thank you for your participation and support. We look forward to seeing you.