Blackbaud’s innovative crowdfundraising solution empowers cyclists as they peddle across the country for charities

New virtual team-cycling challenge helps participants raise funds for their charity of choice

everydayhero™, a Blackbaud, Inc. (NASDAQ: BLKB) company and innovative crowdfundraising platform, today announced a new 31-day virtual team cycling challenge, The Great US Crossing, which begins May 1 and covers a distance of nearly 3,000 miles across the United States. The race will peddle goodwill and power change for charities across the U.S., passing virtually through both major and rural cities and towns. The Great US Crossing officially begins at the virtual starting line in San Francisco on May 1 and finishes in New York City on May 31.

Competing in teams of up to five, participants can create an everydayhero fundraising page and log their rides using connected fitness apps Strava or MapMyFitness. Teams can also use The Great US Crossing website’s TourTracker feature to watch their progress in real time as they compete along the virtual route.

The Great US Crossing is one of the first of a new type of virtual cycling events raising funds for groups by incorporating fitness apps and online fundraising to create a fun and new-age riding experience without the need for road closures, a physical course or specific race times. Participants can choose from one of the event’s feature charities, such as Multiple Sclerosis Association of America, Trips for Kids, Wounded Warrior Support Network, Ride 2 Recovery, or the cause that is closest to their heart.

“In our experience cyclists are often among the most capable and successful fundraisers so this challenge gives them the ability to get a team of friends together, tap their networks for the causes that matter to them and cycle their hearts out in the comfort of their garage, their local bike path or wherever they love to ride over the 31 days,” said Charlie Cumbaa, executive vice president of Corporate and Product Strategy at Blackbaud. “The virtual nature of this challenge – whereby fitness apps Strava and MapMyFitness are connected to participants’ fundraising pages – is an exciting one because it removes any physical barriers to participation. Bringing popular wearable tech devices, fitness apps and fundraising together, The Great US Crossing is a ground breaking event designed to give avid cyclists an exciting new way to help US nonprofits.”

For more information or to register, visit http://www.greatuscrossing.com.

About Blackbaud

Serving the worldwide philanthropic community for 35 years, Blackbaud (NASDAQ: BLKB) combines innovative software, services, and expertise to help organizations achieve their missions. Blackbaud works in over 60 countries to power the passion of approximately 35,000 customers, including nonprofits, K-12 private and higher education institutions, healthcare organizations, corporations, foundations, and other charitable giving entities. The company offers a full spectrum of cloud and on-premise solutions, as well as a resource network that empowers and connects organizations of all sizes. Blackbaud’s portfolio of software and services supports nonprofit fundraising and relationship management, eMarketing, advocacy, accounting, payments and analytics, as well as grant management, corporate social responsibility, and education. Organizations use Blackbaud technology to raise, invest, manage, and award more than $100 billion each year. Recognized as a top company, Blackbaud is headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina and has operations in the United States, Australia, Canada, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit www.blackbaud.com.