St. Louis - February 29, 2008 - On Thursday, Feb. 28, Susan G. Komen for the Cure St. Louis Affiliate® hosted a Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Kick-Off Party at the Art of Living Building on 7th Street downtown St. Louis. The event, attended by over 150 people, was a celebration of the last nine Races while also honoring those who have helped make each year's event a success.
St. Louis boasts the world's largest Race for the Cure, having over 66,000 participants last year.
Over 70,000 people are expected to turn St. Louis pink for a day as the 10th Annual Komen St. Louis Race for the Cure will take place downtown St. Louis on June 21, 2008. Before that day, however, behind the scenes there are a multitude of volunteers, the majority with full-time jobs, that dedicate time and energy to the cause by doing a variety of things, such as holding team training sessions, designing written materials, handing out t-shirts and signing up sponsors.
The Kick-Off Party was a time to honor those individuals, as well as Affiliate staff, board members and sponsors. The event kicked-off at 6:30 p.m. and was followed by a short presentation at 7:15 by the 2008 Race Co-Chairs, Kris Fleming and Dawna Currigan. Affiliate President Susie Knopf was also a guest speaker, followed by Judy Harris, the 2007 Pledge Program top fundraiser. Harris raised over $10,000 in a personal pledge campaign last year, while she challenged each person in the crowd to raise that and more in 2008.
The Hughes Group donated space for the event, while Anheuser-Busch donated beverages, Syberg's Catering provided food, John Farrar Trio was the entertainment, Neomia Robinson of Uptown Bridal Florist supplied centerpieces and a special thanks to Gayle Thole .
The 10th Anniversary Race is just over three months away but the time is now to join us in awareness of Komen St. Louis' signature fundraiser.
About the St. Louis Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure
The St. Louis Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure-along with those who generously support us with their talent, time and resources-is working to better the lives of those facing breast cancer in our community. We join more than 100,000 breast cancer survivors and activists around the globe as part of the world's largest and most progressive grassroots network fighting breast cancer. Through events like the Komen St. Louis Race for the Cure, we have invested over $10 million dollars in local breast health and breast cancer awareness projects in 18 counties in Eastern Missouri and Southwestern Illinois. Up to 75 percent of net proceeds generated by the Komen St. Louis Affiliate stay in the metropolitan area while the remaining income goes to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Award and Research Grant Programs supporting research, awards and educational and scientific programs around the world. Join us by calling 314-721-2900 or visiting us online at www.komenstlouis.org.
About Susan G. Komen for the Cure
Nancy G. Brinker promised her dyiny sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure and launched the global breast cancer movement. Today, Komen for the Cure is the world's largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. Thanks to events like the Komen Race for the Cure, we have invested nearly $1 billion to fulfill our promise, becoming the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world. For more information about Susan G. Komen for the Cure, breast health or breast cancer, visit http://www.stltoday.com/JVanwunnik/Local%20Settings/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/OLK97/www.komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN.
