FORT COLLINS, Colo. (BRAIN) — New Belgium Brewing’s Tour de Fat raised $625,716 for local nonprofits this year, which is up more than $84,000 from last year. The free event donates all proceeds from beer and merchandise sales and donations from parade participants to bike nonprofits.
The Tour de Fat kicks off each festival with a costumed bike parade through city streets. After the parade, thousands gather for a day of eclectic entertainment, New Belgium beer, bike-themed activities, local food and more.
New Belgium’s Tour traveled to 10 cities between May and October, drawing 103,500 beer and bike enthusiasts. New Belgium’s hometown of Fort Collins, Colorado, raised the most money ($110,454) and had the largest attendance with 25,000 people.
Tour de Fat also hosted the eighth annual car-for-bike swap, where one brave role model in each city stepped on stage to trade in car keys and pledge to live car-free for one year. Each swapper received a $2,250 stipend to buy a commuter bike in exchange for their car. Vehicles for Charity auctioned the swapped cars, with proceeds benefitting Tour De Fat’s local nonprofit partners.
“This was our 15th year and record setting – raising more than $600,000 for some incredible nonprofits in the biking world,” said Tour de Fat’s Matt Kowal. “Three of the cities on the tour raised more than $100,000 each. This year was definitely one of the best yet. We look forward to seeing everyone again next year.”
In its 15-year stretch, New Belgium has raised close to $4 million through the Tour de Fat.
Tour de Fat Breakdown City-by-City
Washington, D.C. – May 31
Total Funds Raised: $57,047 (up $21,464 from 2013)
Attendees: 7,000 (up 2,500 from 2013)
Durham, NC – June 21
Total Funds Raised: $25,424 (up $5,415 from 2013)
Attendees: 4,000 (up 1,000 from 2013)
Chicago, IL – July 12
**Totals were down from 2013 due to very rainy weather**
Total Funds Raised: $31,826
Attendees: 5,000
Minneapolis, MN – July 26
Total Funds Raised: $39,088 (up $15,430 from 2013)
Attendees: 5,000 (up 2,000 from 2013)
Boise, ID – August 16
Total Funds Raised: $73,000 (up $17,981 from 2013)
Attendees: 10,000 (up 2,500 from 2013)
Ft. Collins, CO – August 30
Total Funds Raised: $110,454 (up $20,454 from 2013)
Attendees: 25,000 (same as 2013)
Denver, CO – September 6
Total Funds Raised: $101,003 (up $23,986 from 2013)
Attendees: 18,000 (up 3,000 from 2013)
San Francisco, CA – September 13
Total Funds Raised: $42,173 (up $25,599 from 2013)
Attendees: 7,500 (up 4,500 from 2013)
San Diego, CA – September 27
Total Funds Raised: $45,701 (up $4,215 from 2013)
Attendees: 7,000 (up 1,000 from 2013)
Tempe, AZ – October 4
Total Funds Raised: $100,000 (up $8,264 from 2013)
Attendees: 15,000 (same as 2013)