Efforts To Raise Money Continue For Next Month's Tour De Shore
By Steve Tawa
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The 25th running of the Tour de Shore is coming up in late July to benefit area children's charities.
Inside the Irish Pub near 20th and Walnut Streets, co-owner Mark O'Connor remembers organizing the first one many years ago.
"We started this in 1987 as a way to try to connect the Irish Pub in Atlantic City with the two Irish Pubs in Philadelphia," he said.
After that, it became a 65-mile bike ride.
"All of our money stays local," O'Conner adds. "In the first 24-years, we've raised in excess of $2.2 million."
Last year 1,500 riders raised more than $400,000 for 15-local charities, including $50,000 for the Philadelphia Police Athletic League.
"The police athletic league here in Philadelphia, and their 26 pal centers provide an opportunity and a safe environment for children who otherwise would not have it," said Chief Inspector Joe Sullivan, who is a board member of the Irish Pub Children's Foundation.
The goal is to raise $500,000 for the Tour de Shore, which will be on Sunday, July 29th.
