ROCHESTER — More than 200 children sat on their bicycles on the morning of Sunday, June 23, eagerly waiting for the seventh annual Pan-Mass Challenge Cranberry Country Kids Ride to kick off.

But before bikers could take on the 3-mile track around Rochester’s streets, coordinator Bill Goldsmith directly thanked the kid-riders for “making a difference.”.

“You are my heroes and an inspiration to your families, friends and our communities,” Goldsmith said.

Kids participating in the ride each committed to fundraising at least $40 for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, with many donating much, much more.

I can't thank you all enough for showing up,” said cancer survivor and Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School junior Matthew Deterra, who served as the guest speaker of the event. “It doesn't matter how much money you raise, it all helps — every dollar helps. This ride does wonders for everybody just by showing up.”

By the start of the ride, over $42,000 had already been raised through the event, according to Goldsmith.

Goldsmith said the purpose of the ride was to “help treat cancer patients, support their families and support cancer research.”

“Because of your efforts, lives will be saved,” Goldsmith told the riders.

Kids in attendance were treated to an after-party when they completed the route, which started and ended at Old Colony.

A smaller route was set up for the youngest fundraisers.

The post-ride party included face painting, a rock climbing wall and, as any good party should have, pizza and ice cream.

At an awards ceremony, children who raised over $500 received certificates for their efforts.

Thomas Lane, 15, said he enjoyed seeing how many people were present to support the cause.