DID YOU KNOW that it takes about 150 volunteers to support the walkers at the Walk for a Cure?
By Eleanor Mariani and Kate Davis
It’s true! Because our longest walk option is a full marathon, we need volunteers spread across all 26.2 miles - which spans 8+ hours. We have more than 10 crews of volunteers to help with walkers’ needs – rest stops; hydration; traffic and safety; medical; cyclists; and spirit – to name a few.
We could not host our signature fundraising event without our volunteers. It just would not be possible to ensure that everyone was kept safe, fed, energized, and hydrated without each volunteer team working to provide their specific skills to the walkers.
DID YOU KNOW that we are looking for volunteers? Because it is a long day, and it involves multiple locations, we need folks who can provide their energy and skills to keep the walkers motivated and moving toward the finish line. Some jobs require the ability to lift 35 pounds, while other jobs require a medical license, but there is a job for anyone who is interested in helping. For more information about the various crews/jobs, go to https://tbbcf.org/volunteer/.
If you have questions about any of these volunteer opportunities, please email Eleanor Mariani, Walk Chair at [email protected] .
DID YOU KNOW that some of our volunteers have been involved since the “birth” of TBBCF? It’s true! John LaMattina, PhD, Co-Chair of the Scientific Advisory Board, who has been involved in the Foundation since it started, noted “We have a terrific Board of professionals that are honored to be part of this effort to identify cutting edge research ideas that could advance our cause to cure breast cancer. The annual Walk for a Cure is the prime funding source that has enabled us to award more than $6M to research.”
Doug Hoyt has been Co-Chair of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies for all 19 of the walk years. The Opening and Closing Ceremonies Team is responsible for setup, movement and breakdown of all materials and logistics to allow both ceremonies to run smoothly. He reflects, “Who would have thought helping at the first ever fundraiser would turn into 2 decades of volunteering. Every volunteer makes a difference, no matter what the role.”
Stacey Gualtieri is team lead for signage for Walk Day. According to Stacey, “My family has been handling the signage for the route for 15 plus years. We spend Friday putting out the signs on the 26-mile route, and we gather them all back in on Saturday as the walkers finish. This is a great time for our family to bond, either by walking or handling signage and traffic. It feels good as a family to do something together and fight cancer in our own way.”
Karen Stackpole, who leads the Spirit Team and is participating with TBBCF for her 10th walk says “Interacting with the youth groups that provide "Spirit" to the walkers along the route is so rewarding. We have a soccer team, a lacrosse team, and cheerleaders that all share their energy, enthusiasm and support just when the walkers need it. We would love to have your team share their Spirit - reach out for more information.”
…...Will you join them and us on Walk Day to make a difference?
More facts about TBBCF Volunteers:
Volunteers can fundraise for TBBCF if they choose.
TBBCF’s Board of Directors and Scientific Advisory Board are all volunteers.
We have volunteers who work year-round to keep the Foundation functioning and in your social media feeds and in your inbox with our newsletters.
Volunteering is good for your community, your resume, and your soul.
Sign up to volunteer today on our website! https://tbbcf.org/volunteer/
