The ‘Quin House Impact Fund serves as a resource for local philanthropic organizations that are making positive contributions to the Greater Boston community – and this includes the iconic annual Pan-Mass Challenge. The Fund was launched in 2020, a year prior to the opening of The ‘Quin House in the Back Bay, and is now the basis of the club’s philanthropy. It has now awarded over $4.9M in grants to over 170 Greater Boston nonprofits since 2020.
This is the fifth year the Fund has formed a PMC team of ‘Quin House members and staff. The 12-person ‘Quin team is part of Team Patriots Platelets Pedalers – which is the largest PMC team. Here are some team member highlights. We are also happy to coordinate interviews.
Ed Morata
Ed Morata of Lexington, Mass., moved to the U.S. 15 years ago from Brazil, and he has participated in the Pan-Mass Challenge ever since, training throughout the year and raising over $100,000 to date for his 15 rides. Cancer has touched his life in many ways – from his father-in-law who passed away before his children ever got to meet him, to other relatives and friends who have faced the battle – so the cause is deeply personal. Morata also grew up biking and has always found it to be one of his greatest pleasures, so the PMC is a “perfect combination of something I love and a commitment to a truly important cause.”
Now riding for The ‘Quin House Impact Fund Team, he says that new friendships have grown directly out of the team’s formation, and his sense of connection to the ‘Quin community has deepened as a result. Morata says, “every ride feels like a powerful injection of hope – a renewed belief that a cure for cancer is within reach.” And he said that’s why he comes back year after year for the “life-changing experience.”
Fundraising page and photo here; additional photos available upon request.
Charlene Selle
Charlene Selle of the Back Bay is ready for her fourth Pan-Mass Challenge with a goal of $6,000 in fundraising. She started road cycling in 2022 after becoming seriously ill during COVID and looking for a way to rebuild her health and reconnect with the outdoors. Her husband also helped inspire her since he has been riding the PMC for more than 27 years. Selle has since logged more than 5,000 miles, even recently qualifying for the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Nice, France. She says that while she enjoys the challenge of crossing finish lines, “no accomplishment feels more meaningful than riding to support groundbreaking cancer research and patient care.” Selle’s regimen of swimming, cycling, running and staying active throughout the year keeps her trained for PMC.
Selle says that over the years, more and more loved ones have been affected by cancer, and she has even seen some close friends lose their lives. She says that motivates her to ride PMC and “the friendships, the mission, and the opportunity to contribute to something bigger than myself” is what brings her back each year. Selle has also found the community of The ‘Quin House team to be something special. She moved to the U.S. from Germany to build a life here and she says being welcomed into the ‘Quin PMC community has made a tremendous difference. “What started as a cycling event has grown into meaningful friendships, cultural exchanges, and a genuine sense of belonging.” She also volunteers for the Pedal Partner Program to see firsthand the impact the PMC community has on patients and families.
Fundraising page and photo here; additional photos available upon request.
Piotr Bielecki
Piotrek “Piotr” Bielecki of Newton, Mass., is newer to the Pan-Mass Challenge, riding for the first time in 2025 and deciding to return this year. He joined The ‘Quin to meet new people and “be a part of a community that values service, connection, and impact.” He said riding with The ‘Quin House Impact Fund Team felt like a natural way to combine those interests with cycling, fundraising, and supporting cancer research and patient care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Bielecki is an immunologist working in drug discovery across biotech and pharmaceuticals, so he understands on a professional level the importance of the funding generated by the PMC. On a personal level, his family has benefitted directly from the amazing care at Dana-Farber.
Bielecki has taken the role of organizing training rides and social gatherings for the ‘Quin team to help them connect and encourage one another. He said during his first ride, people kept telling him that once you start PMC, you can’t stop. Bielecki says now he understands why. “The most rewarding part is seeing and meeting spectators… There are cancer survivors, family, friends and supporters thanking riders as they pass, and it is incredibly moving. It reminds you that the PMC is not just an athletic challenge. The money supports real patients, real families, and the research and care that can change their lives.”
Fundraising page and photo here; additional photos available upon request.