by Dana Purcell, Development Coordinator, Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation
Spring is here and fundraising events for the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation are in full swing! April was a busy month for community fundraisers. Each event had a special connection to mesothelioma and a creative way to bring in funding towards research, education, and advocacy. From California to New York, Meso Foundation staff members and board members were able to see the great efforts of the meso community.
The month started out with an event on April 6th in California, the Rock for Peace Benefit Concert. This event was organized by the Santa Margarita Catholic High School’s Breath of Hope Club and the Bendix family to contribute funds towards the Ken Bendix 2nd Memorial Grant. Over 200 people were in attendance and the concert featured two bands and three soloists, as well as a YouTube video played to raise mesothelioma awareness.
On Saturday morning, April 12th, the Get the Lead Out! 5k/10k and 1 mile walk took place on a perfect spring day. The event was hosted by The Norm Kulig 2Young2Go Foundation, which was formed by siblings who lost their brother, Norm, at the age of 42 to mesothelioma. A portion of the funds raised from this event is given to the Meso Foundation and has been a proven success for many years now. Bill Kasenchar did a fantastic job with the logistics of the event and making it a success yet again!
The last weekend of April included three events for the Foundation, one being the 5k for Michael Bradley. This event was all about community and honoring Michael, who had passed just days before the event. There were family and friends that drove over 12 hours to participate in the 5K. Members of the Varnell, GA community gathered to lend a hand and offer support. Melinda Kotzian, CEO of the Meso Foundation, was there to thank all the attendees and give a special thank you to the Bradley and Neuenschwander family.
Cycling for Meso was the 1st annual event hosted by Gori Julian and Associates in Edwardsville, IL. Participants endured one of three trails that were 3, 10, or 26 miles, making it fun for all riders of different levels to enjoy. The event was able to bring a high amount through sponsorship and proved to be a real community event. Dawn Devine and Chrissy Howard worked so hard getting silent auction items, designing great t-shirts and making the event a true success.
The Meso Foundation wants to thank everyone for their incredible efforts and the hard work they put into these events. The hard work our fundraisers put in to these events helps the Foundation get another step closer to our goal!
Visit curemeso.org to see a list of upcoming community events.
