2,100 cyclists to ride 65 miles to raise funds for families of first responders

(WPHL) — This Sunday, 2,100 cyclists will ride 65 miles from the Ben Franklin Bridge to Atlantic City to raise money for families of first responders.

The 38th Annual Ben to the Shore Bike Tour is hosted by the Families Behind the Badge.

With a goal of raising $1.5 million, with funds will go to help provide urgent financial support to families of fallen or critically injured first responders.

Riders will be able to choose the traditional 65-mile route from the base of the Ben Franklin Bridge in Philadelphia to Atlantic City, a 30-mile course from Hammonton, NJ to Atlantic City, and a 10-mile option.

All riders will end their journey at the Showboat Hotel in Atlantic City, where there will be an afterparty.

“There’s nothing like seeing first-hand the camaraderie of thousands of riders lined up at the Ben Franklin Bridge to honor our fallen heroes by raising money to support their families. It’s been a privilege to get to know our first responders on a deeper level, and we are so grateful for all the riders, volunteers, and supporters who come back year after year to make this event possible. To say we’ve become a family is an understatement. The bond that has been formed within the first responder community because of this event is lifelong and the very heart of why we ride,” said Mark O’Connor, Executive Director of Families Behind the Badge Children’s Foundation.

Notable Participants in this Year’s Ride Include:

• Maureen Faulkner, wife of Philadelphia Police Officer Daniel Faulkner (EOW 12/9/81)
• Nicole Cassidy, daughter of Philadelphia Police Officer Chuck Cassidy (EOW 12/1/07)
• Jazmyn Hernandez, Widow of Philadelphia Police Officer Sergeant Jaime Roman (EOW 9/10/24)
• Marissa Fitzgerald, wife of Temple Police Sergeant Christopher Fitzgerald (EOW 2/18/23)
• Julian Fitzgerald, son of Temple Police Sergeant Christopher Fitzgerald (EOW 2/18/23)
• Armani Fitzgerald, son of Temple Police Sergeant Christopher Fitzgerald (EOW 2/18/23)
• Stephanie Mack, wife of PA State Trooper Martin Mack (EOW 3/21/22)
• Brittany Sisca, wife of PA State Trooper Branden Sisca (EOW 3/21/22)
• Chloe Rougeau, wife of PA State Trooper Jacques Rougeau (EOW 6/17/23)
• Carrie Hovis, widow of PA State Trooper Paul Richey (EOW 1/13/10)
• Alexandra Conforti, Widow of PA State Trooper Peter Conforti (EOW 7/31/2024)
• Liz Mundrick, Widow of Philadelphia Police Officer Sergeant Ryan Mundrick (EOW 5/7/2025)
• Brittany Tomczak, Widow of Chief Jeff Tomczak, (Upper Gwynedd Fire Dept.) (EOW 7/26/2024)
• Matthew Tomczak, son of Chief Jeff Tomczak (Upper Gwynedd Fire Dept.)
• Mackenzie Santucci, Widow of Mansfield, NJ Police Officer Samuel Irvin (EOW 7/23/2023)
• (Virtually Participating) Antonia Wise, Widow of Detective Sergeant Eric Wise (Atlantic County Prosecutors Office) (EOW 2/14/2025)
• Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele

Celebrity Participants in This Year’s Ride Include:

• Philadelphia Eagle, Brandon Graham, who will be riding on Team Traffic, which rides in honor of fallen Philadelphia Police Officer Jaime Roman and Officer Gennaro “Gerry” Pellegrini Jr.
• Philadelphia Flyer, Garnet Hathaway and his wife, Lindsay Hathaway, who will be riding alongside Mackenzie Santucci, Widow of Mansfield, NJ Police Officer Samuel, and Alexandra Conforti, Widow of PA State Trooper Peter Conforti
• Villanova Basketball Coach, Jay Wright, and his wife, Patricia “Patty”
• Philadelphia Phillies Broadcaster, Gregg Murphy.
• Radio Personality, WMMR’s The Preston & Steve Show, Casey Fosbenner.
• Television Reporter, Deanna Durante.