| Kiteboarders 4 Cancer raise $95,000 in Columbia River |
| Monday, 19 January 2009 10:13 |
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Despite a recession and gas prices affecting travel around the country, Kiteboarding 4 Cancer pulled off our second event with a 40% increase in funds raised, with over $95,000. This huge feat was attributed to an incredible community of kiteboarders, manufacturers, partners, and volunteers passionate about the cause. One cannot describe the incredible vibe and great energy at this event. Participating athletes raced 6 hours, kiteboarding on the Columbia River in memory of loved ones fighting cancer, with yellow and white ribbons trailing from their kites in the wind. There were even cancer survivors on the water, determined to win the grueling event. Partnering cancer organizations John Wayne Cancer Foundation, Celilo Cancer Center, Children's Healing Art Project, and Oregon Active all participated in the event. John Wayne Cancer Foundation (JWCF) provided sunscreen and orange jersies for the race. Celilo Cancer Center helped run the silent auction, which benefits the Celilo Patient Fund at this world-class facility. Children's Healing Art Project (CHAP) set up an art studio for all to take part in decorating the John Doyle Bling Kiteboard, which was auctioned off at the end of the event to raise money for the art healing programs for kids and their families in crisis at Portland area Children's hospitals. Oregon Active ran the Full Sail Brewing tent and barbecue to raise money for taking cancer patients on outside adventures. Portland bands Subterranean Howl, Climatize, and Hood River band, Sunderland, played throughout the day for the crowd. Be sure to check out their music, because they rocked Kiteboard 4 Cancer. The raffle, silent auction, and live auction included some amazing items including a trip to a Bali Kitesurf Camp with Pro Rider, Ben Wilson, and a Kiteboarding vacation in Cozumel, Mexico. The grand prize winner of the raffle, Terry, a mother of 3, won a $1000 travel voucher from Hazel Phillips Travel. The stories of survival and inspiration flowed throughout the day, as did the generosity of passers-by donating to the cause. In the end, it was Irv Stein from Portland, Oregon, who recently underwent treatment for a rare cancer in April, and ended up taking 2nd place in the 6 hour Kite Derby endurance race!!! Kiteboarders raced in a 6-hour endurance Kite Derby on the Columbia River for prizes and to raise per-lap funds for the cause. Participants raced with ribbons fluttering behind their kites -- white representing "in memory of" and yellow identifying the rider as a cancer survivor. The KB4C Silent Auction raised over $15,000 with such unique travel packages as a spot in an all-inclusive Bali Surf Camp and a Kiteboarding vacation in Cozumel, Mexico. The KB4C raffle gave away a number of travel items plus a $1000 travel voucher, won by a single mom and passionate kiteboarding follower. CHAP (Children's Healing Art Project) out of Portland, Oregon, had the most colorful presence, with a custom kids-painted car and beading mats for the kids. Children’s Healing Art Project (CHAP) brings the healing power of art to children in crisis and their families with a mobile team of teaching artists working in Portland’s children’s hospitals. Participating sponsors & partners, Slingshot Kiteboarding, Naish Kiteboarding, New Wind Kiteboarding, North Kiteboarding, John Wayne Cancer Foundation, Children's Healing Art Project, Oregon Active all hosted booths at the KB4C this year.
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