Over 4,500 eager supporters gathered in Stamford Downtown’s Columbus Park on Sunday, June 5, to participate in the 16th annual Hope in Motion, Walk, Run & Ride event. A record $875,000 in donations has been collected thus far, surpassing the $800,000 that had been tallied by this time last year.
The Walk, Run & Ride event is one of the largest and longest-running participatory charity events in Fairfield County, and organizers hope to raise $1 million this year. All proceeds directly support the programs and services that benefit Stamford Hospital’s Bennett Cancer Center patients and their families, including: clinical trials and cancer research, exercise and nutrition education and consultation programs, support services and transportation (in conjunction with the local chapter of the American Red Cross), as well as the Integrative Medicine, genetic counseling, Transitions: Choices in Recovery and Nurse Navigation programs.
“Every year we are blown away by the effort our patients, their families and the entire community makes to support the Cancer Center, and it is because of them that our $1 million dollar goal is well within reach,” said Liz Manfredo, Director of Cancer Services at the Bennett Cancer Center. “Gratefully, the continued success of this event allows us to provide the highest-quality and compassionate care for our patients and their families.”
Going forward, Hope in Motion will be recognized as the theme for Stamford Hospital’s year-round cancer fundraising, and anyone can plan and/or attend a fundraising activity. This year, a surge of grassroots events popped up all over southwestern Connecticut, ranging from lemonade stands to bake sales to concerts. All funds raised throughout the year will still directly benefit the Bennett Cancer Center.
“The level of dedication and participation from people from all over Fairfield County is simply proof that cancer has touched so many lives here,” said Erin O’Toole, Manager of Hope in Motion. “We are excited to see what kinds of unique fundraising activities people will come up with throughout the rest of the year.”
Sock- it-to-Cancer, the top fundraising team native to Stamford, brought in over $27,000. Craig Price, the top individual fundraiser and a member of Sock- it-to-Cancer, raised $17,616 in memory of his mother-in-law, Nancy Leferman.
Supporters can still make a $10 donation by texting “HIM” to 20222, and funds toward the $1 million goal will be accepted through September 30. Next year’s event is scheduled for Sunday, June 3.
To learn more about Hope in Motion and the Walk, Run & Ride event, visit www.hope-in-motion.org, call (203) 276-5920, or check Hope in Motion’s Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn profiles.
About the Walk, Run & Ride and Hope in Motion
Stamford Hospital's Walk, Run & Ride, Hope in Motion’s signature event benefiting the Bennett Cancer Center, is presented by the Stamford Hospital Foundation, the fundraising arm of Stamford Hospital. The event's founding and presenting sponsor is The Ashforth Company, a diversified commercial real estate firm in Stamford.
About Stamford Hospital
Stamford Hospital is a not-for-profit provider of comprehensive healthcare services in lower Fairfield County and the region. The mission of Stamford Hospital is to provide, together with its physicians, a broad range of high quality health and wellness services focused on the needs of our communities. Stamford Hospital is a member of the Planetree Alliance, a group of hospitals nationwide focused on patient-centered care. Stamford Hospital is affiliated with New York Presbyterian Health System and is a major teaching affiliate of the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.
