October 6, 2013 – The 4th annual Race for the Cure had all the color, excitement, wacky costumes and high spirits the Race is known for. In a regional show of unity and support, the University of Oregon Duck and the Oregon State University Beaver were on hand at the Start Line to cheer and entertain racers.
The 2013 Eugene Race for the Cure is poised to meet its goal of raising $400,000 in cash and in-kind contributions. As of this afternoon, Race proceeds stood at more than $362,000. As in years past, active fundraising will continue through October 31, 2013. People who missed the Race are urged to donate at komenoregon.org.
“We’re still racing,” said Thomas Bruner, CEO. “I’m confident we will meet - or even exceed - our goal.”
An enhanced focus on participant fundraising, reduced event expenses and increased in-kind gifts helped to boost results this year.
Honorary Race Chairs Cheryl and Christian Papé were presented with a check for $20,000 from Kris Knox, founder of Play for the Cure
Race for the Cure proceeds have enabled Komen to invest almost $29 million in Oregon and SW Washington to date - including $11.3 million for research at Oregon medical facilities, $9.7 million for breast and cervical cancer screening for uninsured, low-income women, and $8 million for education and survivor support in communities across the region.
In Lane County, Komen has made grants totaling $300,700 to organizations for breast cancer education and services and, in partnership with the Oregon Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (BCCP), provided over $2 million for breast and cervical cancer screening for uninsured, low-income women.
“There is a direct correlation between how much money we raise through the Race and how many people we can help in the coming year,” said Bruner. “With 70 new breast cancer diagnoses and 10 deaths every week in Oregon and SW Washington alone, the need remains urgent.”
Honorary chairs of the 2013 Eugene Race for the Cure were Cheryl and Christain Papé. Sponsors included: Presenting Sponsor – Fred Meyer; Presenting Media Sponsors – KMTR TV, KMGE The Mix and The Register-Guard; Survivor City Sponsor – Willamette Valley Cancer Institute and Research Center; Supporting Sponsors Wells Fargo; The Papé Companies and Oregon Imaging Centers.
The Eugene Race for the Cure is among the greenest events in the region. Again this year, aggressive composting, recycling and participant education resulted in a landfill diversion rate of 85% - an exceptionally high rate for a large public event.
