Pitching Yourself to Local Media
-
-
Jackie Roberts McDonough
Your Empire State Ride in the News 
As an Empire State Ride road warrior, you’re doing something amazing: riding 500+ miles across New York State to raise funds for cancer research. The more eyes we can get on your incredible efforts, the better, and we need your help to make that happen! Since our riders come from more than 27 states, plus Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, imagine the people we could reach if we had local media coverage (or, hey, even national) in each of your hometown markets?
Here’s your guide to pitching your ESR journey to media.
1. Make a list of the media outlets in your area
Is there a feature show that seems like it would be a good fit? Is there an anchor or reporter with a connection to cancer who might take an interest in this story? Find their contact information and get started!
2. Think about messaging
Once you have your list of contacts, think about your messaging and make that first contact. It always makes more of an impact if you can include details on your personal connection to the cause. Here’s an example of an introductory email:
a. [Subject] Story Pitch: I’m riding 500+ miles across New York State to raise funds for cancer research
b. [Body] Hello, [name]
c. My name is _______. I’m a _____ native, and I’m cycling 500+ miles across New York State to raise funds for cancer research at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, the nation’s first institute dedicated to cancer research. My goal is raise $____ for the cause. So far, I’m at $______. This seven-day adventure, Empire State Ride, begins in New York City on July 25, 2026, and ends in Niagara Falls on August 1, 2026. My ‘why’ for taking on this challenge is ____________________. I would love to do an interview with you to raise awareness for this incredible cause as I prepare to take on this journey. If you’re curious about the event, check out the ESR press-kit here. Please feel free to contact me at XYZ.
d. Thank you for your time,
e. [Name]
f. **Link to your fundraising dashboard**
3. Let Us Know!
If you hear back from one or more outlets, let us know! We are happy to provide you with video content of previous Empire State Ride events, impact information and more. If they’re interested, we could even get someone from our team to do an interview (virtual or in-person, depending on the area), as well.
4. Here’s Some Fast Facts
To help your pitch, here are some fast facts:
- Empire State Ride road warriors each raise $3,500 for cancer research at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.
- Nearly 250 riders joined Empire State Ride on the road in 2025, 46 of whom were cancer patients or survivors.
- Over the event’s history, riders have raised more than $12 million for the cause, with $1.9 million raised for cancer research in 2025 alone.
- Empire State Ride officially started in 2015, but one year prior, event founder Terry Bourgeois set off on a solo ride across New York State to test the idea of a cross-state cycling fundraiser.
- For every dollar raised through Empire State Ride, Roswell Park scientists are able to leverage an additional $23 in external funding toward their research projects.
As an organization, we will also pitch stories throughout the recruitment season, but sometimes pitches from individuals can reach a different audience.
Keep us in the loop as you’re pitching to local media. We can help guide you along the way, from your first contact leading up to a potential interview. Ready for your close-up?! Use your passion to help get the word out about Empire State Ride in your hometown and across the country.
Get inspired. Check out these examples of ESR in the news:
Empire State Ride finished 500-mile trek across New York State | wgrz.com
City Man To Bike 500 Miles for Pediatric Cancer Research Fundraiser | News, Sports, Jobs – Post Journal
Huntington Native to Bike 500 Miles to End Cancer
Pedaling for Hope: 300 Cyclists Unite in a 500-mile Journey for Cancer Research
Learn how ESR is making a differnce
The post Pitching Yourself to Local Media appeared first on Empire State Ride.