This year, thousands of walkers in nine cities across the country will take steps to end cancer through City of Hope’s Walk for Hope to Cure Breast Cancer, which aims to raise about $2.5 million.
“Funds raised through Walk for Hope events are critical,” said George Somlo, M.D., co-director of City of Hope’s Breast Cancer Program. “Our scientists are involved in a number of studies and clinical trials that are helping to redefine the standards of care and accelerate the search for a cure. The steps of our Walk for Hope participants make this progress possible.”
Wells Fargo again serves as a national sponsor, as does 3M Post-it Super Sticky Notes and Good Housekeeping. Hilton HHonors has returned as a national sponsor, offering valuable incentive prizes for all Walk participants, including certificates for free hotel stays for top fundraisers. Sandals/Beaches also has returned as a national sponsor and will award Walk for Hope’s top individual and team captain fundraisers nationwide with all-inclusive stays at one of its resorts.
Expanding on Sebastian’s sponsorship last year, the Wella and Graham Webb brands have joined Sebastian this year as national sponsors of the Walk for Hope to Cure Breast Cancer series. Together with their salon partners, Wella • Sebastian • Graham Webb are encouraging participation across the country. For more information about their support, visit www.walk4hope.org/healwithhope.
Two successful walks already have taken place, with the Edison, N.J., Walk for Hope raising nearly $113,000 and the San Diego Walk for Hope bringing in more than $183,000 and more than doubling participant numbers over 2006. Upcoming Walk events include Seattle, Phoenix and Washington, D.C., on Oct. 7, San Francisco on Oct. 13, Chicago and Philadelphia on Oct. 14 and Los Angeles on Oct. 28.
As the local presenting sponsor for the Los Angeles Walk for Hope, Albertson’s/SavOn will bring a large team to the City of Hope campus this year. In addition, Lisa Foxx from radio station Star 98.7 will emcee the walk, with actress Andrea Evans attending as well.
The Los Angeles Walk for Hope is also home of the Pink Carpet Club, a hosted area for City of Hope employees, and their friends and families, who have chosen to participate in the walk by joining an employee-sponsored team. Chaired by Alexandra Levine, M.D., chief medical officer of City of Hope, the Pink Carpet Club offers VIP privileges, including a light breakfast before the Walk and lunch afterward, as well as access to campus parking on the day of the event.
City of Hope employees interested in joining the club may start their own team or join an existing team listed on the intranet at www.coh.org/pcc. Virtual Walkers also are welcome to join the Pink Carpet Club. Online registration for the Los Angeles Walk closes on Oct. 25.
Walk for Hope events have raised more than $20 million for breast cancer research, treatment and education programs at City of Hope since its inception more than 12 years ago. Registration is now open for 2007 events. More information is available on the Walk for Hope to Cure Breast Cancer Web site at www.walk4hope.org and at 800-266-7920.
