Team W.I.S.H. Arizona (Walking In Spirit & Hope) Kicks Off With A Blast!
May 2009 was the 'kick-off' for training to participate in the Arizona 3Day 60 Mile Walk benefiting Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the National Philanthropic Trust...and what a kick off it has been. Since 2004 Team W.I.S.H. Arizona has raised over $800,000!
2009 is the 6th year anniversary celebration for the team and our fundraising efforts have been exciting and memorable already. With 35 team members, 31 walkers & 4 crew, we have already raised over $52,000, with a goal by November of $100,000.
Our efforts of fundraising could not have happened without the commitment of team members, family, friends and most importantly all those donations from contributors, which is heartwarming and appreciated. We knew the economy would be a challenge for us, but we meet so man women and men everyday who have had breast cancer, are fighting it now or have beaten it..that we have to bust forward! It is because of their challenges, hopes and their stories that we try to make every 'sweat' effort to raise money to find a cure. We know that without these contributions and the other walkers and teams across the United States, we wouldn't have the technology nor the drugs to help fight this horrible disease.
And then there are those businesses and communities that have embraced everyone's efforts by holding 'fundraising events' at restaurants, high schools, car washes, golf courses, raffle items, salon stylists services and more. We hope you'll join us for all these incredible events - check out the calendar and come join the fun!
Because together, we can make a difference! Thanks for your continued support and we'll see you at an upcoming event!
Team W.I.S.H Arizona has just received fantastic news from our beloved I.R.S. that we have been accepted as a 'non-exempt charity group' and have been awarded the classification of a 501c3! To some it may not mean anything, but to those of us who fund raise, it's extraordinary! Not only will we be able to raise funds for the AZ 3 Day walk benefiting Susan G. Komen but we can expand our fundraising for the purpose of helping other cancer victims and families who might need support and a little financial help!
Linda Kacmarsky, Team W.I.S.H. captain and co-founder adds her excitement, "We have gone way beyond our journey of fundraising for just one cause, because now we can help so many more in our local area. Supporting those who have just received devastating news is part of our focus and now we can move forward to help those who might need some assistance."
One thing we learned about fundraising in 2008...even though the economy has come to a screeching halt, people from all walks of life are still donating. Last year the AZ 3 Day raised over $5.2 million dollars...because breast cancer has NOT stopped. We must keep going...we must eradicate this disease!
Our 'neon' green shirts has become our logo and now when you see the team training with the pace wicked-up, we're more determined then ever! With everyone's commitment, courage and spirit... we can make a difference. Here's to a rockin' year fundraising!