Racing for Cancer Causes Bed Race – A heartfelt thank you to all
To the editor:
It’s not often that people will support the crazy ideas you may have. As a cancer survivor I wanted to give back in a very special way and thought a bed race would be a different event that might bring fun as well as a new twist to fundraising for the cause. On May 17, the inaugural Racing for Cancer Causes Bed Race was held at Cape Harbour. I started the planning of this event in October 2013 and with the wonderful support of those listed below this event became a reality:
* 21st Century CARE – partnering non-profit organization and to Rabbi Agin, Sharon Salenius and Ann Francis. Without their partnership, friendship and acceptance of this crazy idea, this may have never have come to fruition.
* Cape Harbour and Glenda Swager for the use of their beautiful property, and Glenda’s organizing/support (she was my rock as the event got closer).
* To our sponsors – Our host-Cape Harbour, 21st Century Oncology, First Watch Restaurant, Klocke of America, Inc., Fuccillo Kia, RL James Construction, Radiology Regional and the Mobile Mammogram bus, Spherion Staffing, Massage Envy Spa-Cape Coral, Cambio Dermatology, and Zak’s Jewelry.
* Pink Heals of SW Florida and their pink fire truck for coming out and showing their support.
* Mobile Mammo – for providing the opportunity for those who wished to get their mammograms completed at a convenient time and location.
* Coca-Cola in Fort Myers for supplying water and soda to the event.
* Our media partners CapeCoral.com (Laura and Jeff Koehn).
* Kelli Stegeman for Fox4Now for being the emcee for the event.
* The many companies throughout Florida and other states who provided us with prizes for our chance drawing (over 20 of them).
* Cape Coral Mayor Marni Sawicki who came to support us and handed out the awards.
* The teams – who took the time to design beds, dress in costume, and come out to race against each other in support of our cause (Klocke Strong, Cancer Avengers, The Bruisers (Express Personnel), Pulmonary Pirates& Betting on a Cure (21st Century Oncology team), RL James Construction, Massage Envy Spa, Super Squishers (Radiology Regional), and Fort Myers Ale House.
* The volunteers, who gave up their Saturday morning to help the event run smoothly,
* News-Press and WINK TV for their coverage of the event (before, during, and after),
* All those who donated money directly or through the purchase of raffle tickets to support cancer research, education, patient assistance, screenings and awareness programs for all cancers in Southwest Florida.
The success of this event was due to all those above and to those who came out to support us. We come together in adversity and celebration, showing we are a close and caring community. We hope all those who participated had fun and will return next year as we hope to make the event a little bigger and a little better.
I am truly thankful to all those who participated, supported and donated. I am proud to call Southwest Florida home.
Marie Springsteen, President
Cape Coral