Volunteer fundraisers come in all shapes and sizes. Some organize walks or bike rides, some sell products and some even throw themselves out of perfectly good airplanes.
 Fundraisers enjoy the gravity of the situation during their record-setting jump. (Photo courtesy Business Wire) |
Such is the case for 181 women from 31 countries who joined together to set the new women’s formation skydiving world record. The event, Jump for the Cause, set the record at Perris Valley Skydiving Center in Perris, Calif., on Sept. 26. Each skydiver reached out to friends and family for donations; in all, the group will donate more than $300,000 to City of Hope breast cancer research, education and treatment.
Led by Kate Cooper-Jensen, one of the foremost skydivers in the world, Jump for the Cause was co-founded with Mallory Lewis after her mother, well-known puppeteer Shari Lewis, lost her own battle with cancer in 1998.
“The dedication and passion these women bring to this event is inspiring,” said Lewis. “All national and religious differences have been put aside to fight the common enemy, breast cancer!”
This is the third time Jump for the Cause has set a record for the greatest number of women skydiving in formation. Each time the group has raised funds for City of Hope. Previous events were held in 2002 and 2005; including this year, the group has donated more than $750,000 toward finding a cure for breast cancer.
