[December 05, 2012]

Dodge Million Dollar Challenge Sells Out in Record-Breaking Nine Hours

The Challenged Athletes Foundation^® (CAF) today announced the organization's eighth Annual Dodge Million Dollar Challenge (MDC) sold out in a record time of nine hours. The seven-day, 620-mile cycling event, which will take place Oct. 12 - 18, 2013, opened registration 8 a.m. PST Saturday, Dec. 1. By 5 p.m. PST, the 100 slots were sold out, with each participant committing to raise $12,500 toward the event's million dollar minimum fundraising goal which allows CAF to support physically challenged athletes by funding grants for adaptive sports equipment, training and competition expenses, mentoring and sports clinics.

"Over the past eight years, we have watched the popularity and prestige of this event grow exponentially," said Jeffrey Essakow, president and co-founder of CAF and visionary behind the Dodge Million Dollar Challenge, created in collaboration with fellow CAF board member Jeff Jacobs. "This year's sell-out surpassed our expectations. Each year we hear how the quality of event support, paired with the inspiration and camaraderie of participating side-by-side with challenged athletes, puts it in a class of its own. From its inception, our goal was to create a world-class event to deliver a world-class experience. We are proud to be announcing the 2013 event sell-out as a testament to this accomplishment."

The Dodge Million Dollar Challenge will lead more than 100 cyclists, including physically challenged athletes, celebrities and professional athletes on a life-changing seven-day, 620-mile journey down the scenic yet demanding California coastline from San Francisco to San Diego. CAF is proud to have the Dodge brand as a global partner and presenting sponsor of the Million Dollar Challenge. The Dodge brand assists in the event roll-out by leading out the cyclists in Dodge vehicles and underwriting challenged athlete participants. Past MDC participants include elite athletes and celebrities such as two-time Ironman orld Champion Chris McCormack, Team Garmin-Sharp (News - Alert) pro cyclist Christian Vande Velde, legendary Hall of Famer Bill Walton and comedian Robin Williams.

Cyclists interested in an epic challenge to support the Challenged Athletes Foundation's mission can register for one of CAF's other world class cycling events which include:

CAF Back to Back Century Challenge - Nor Cal: Aug. 17 - 18

A two-day Northern California ride covering the serene wine country and quaint farmlands from Sausalito to Sonoma Valley.

CAF Cycling Challenge - Ojai Valley: Sept. 20 - 22

A 3-day ride through the Santa Monica Mountains featuring portions of the Amgen Tour of California.

To learn more about the Dodge Million Dollar Challenge and CAF's Cycling Challenge events, visit www.challengedathletes.org/events. For more information about Challenged Athletes Foundation, go to www.challengedathletes.org. To follow MDC on Twitter (News - Alert), go to @CAFoundation or #CycleForCAF.

About the Challenged Athletes Foundation

The Challenged Athletes Foundation® (CAF) is a world leader in helping individuals with physical challenges get involved - and stay involved - in sports. CAF believes that participation in sports at any level increases self-esteem, encourages independence and enhances quality of life. Since 1994, more than $40 million has been raised and almost 7,000 funding requests from challenged athletes in all 50 states and dozens of countries have been satisfied. Additionally, CAF's outreach efforts reach another 60,000 individuals each year. Whether it's a $2,500 grant for a handcycle, helping underwrite a carbon fiber running foot not covered by insurance, or arranging enthusiastic encouragement from a mentor who has triumphed over a similar challenge, CAF's mission is clear: give those with the desire to live active, athletic lifestyles every opportunity to compete in the sports they love. To learn more, log on to www.challengedathletes.org or call 858-866-0959.

About Dodge Brand

Dodge is a full line of cars, crossovers, minivans and SUVs that are sporty, functional and innovative. With nearly 100 years of heritage, the brand has a history of providing its customers excellent quality, innovation and value. Dodge is building on the momentum of introducing six all-new or significantly redesigned products, solidifying its message that Dodge offers an excellent value for American families looking for top performance in all the places that matter - from power off the line and handling in the corners to high-quality, dependable vehicles that deliver unmatched functionality and excellent fuel economy in everyday driving situations. In fact, Dodge now offers six vehicles that deliver 25 mpg on the highway, while retaining that distinctive Dodge innovation and style. With the all-new Dodge Durango and Dodge Charger and significantly revamped Grand Caravan, Journey, Avenger and Challenger, Dodge also now has one of the youngest dealer showrooms in the country with more new product coming.

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