‘Bed race’ to raise money for cancer charities
A fundraiser this weekend will benefit two local charities that offer cancer assistance.
Hosted by the 4 Words Foundation and 21st Century C.A.R.E., the second annual Racing for Cancer Causes – Bed Race will be held Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Cape Harbour. Five-person teams will go up against one another for medals – and bragging rights. It is free and open to the public.
The funds raised are split 50/50 between the 4 Words Foundation and 21st Century C.A.R.E.
Marie Springsteen, president of the 4 Words Foundation, is a cancer survivor. Looking back, she and others found a common denominator in their battle against the disease was recuperating in a bed.
“I thought we would take that and make it fun,” she said.
The 4 Words Foundation assists cancer patients without and with health insurance cover things like medical bills and tests. Funds provided by 21st Century C.A.R.E. go toward patient assistance, such as transportation, childcare during treatment and temporary housing, as well as research and education.
“Sometimes people won’t go (to treatments) because they don’t have gas in their car. They will give individuals who are approved gas cards to make sure they go,” Springsteen said of 21st Century.
“We suppose all cancers, not just a specific one,” she added.
Last year, the event involved eight teams and over $6,000 was raised.
“We’d like to at least have the same registration as last year,” Springsteen said.
As of Thursday, six teams were planning to participate on Saturday.
“We’re shooting for $8,000 and we’re more than halfway there,” she said of this year’s goal.
All of the funds raised will remain in Southwest Florida.
“They don’t go anywhere else,” Springsteen said. “They stay local.”
Teams can register day of to take part; the fee is $100.
“It doesn’t have to be a bed,” she said of the racing object. “It can be anything with four wheels.”
Four members of the team will push the “bed,” while the fifth member rides on top.
“They can decorate it in the cancer color they’re supporting – or their team,” Springsteen said.
First, second and third place medals will be awarded to the fastest teams. On Saturday, they will be judged for Best Bed/Team Costume, with first, second and third place medals also handed out.
Mayor Marni Sawicki will kick off the races, and FOX 4’s Miriam Zamorano is the emcee.
“The Cape Coral Fire Department is bringing down a fire truck for the kids to explore,” she said.
The Dixie Roadhouse dancers will perform, and the Pink Heals fire truck will be on site.
Raffle tickets will be on sale during the fundraiser, with the winners announces after the races.
“They don’t need to be present to win,” Springsteen said.
The raffle items range in value from $50 to nearly $1,000 and include Disney Park Hopper Passes, Aquatica and NASCAR tickets, $900 diamond stud earrings from Zak’s Jewelry and a sterling pendant with black and white diamonds by Dunkin’s Diamonds, gift certificates, assorted baskets and more.
“We have over 20 items,” she said.
Event T-shirts will also be available for a donation.
There will be more than a dozen vendors on site, including local businesses and services.
“They may have some giveaways at their tables,” Springsteen said.
As of Thursday, vendor spaces were still available.
Those interested can contact Springsteen at marie@4wordsfoundation.org.
“This event is for those who are currently battling the disease, for the survivors and in memory of those we lost, and it’s really to thank our health care professionals for the caring and compassion,” she said.
For more information, visit online at: www.4wordsfoundation.org.
Cape Harbour is at 5789 Cape Harbour Blvd.