American Cancer Society’s 32nd Annual Race To Beat Cancer a Great Success!

32nd Annual Race To Beat Cancer: Top individual fundraiser was Nancy Downing of Jackson (middle), second highest fundraiser was 12 year old Jesse Frechette of Columbia (right), and third highest fundraiser was Richard Ayer of Glen (right).

NORTH CONWAY – This weekend's 32nd  annual American Cancer Society’s Race to Beat Cancer raised over $15,000 for cancer research and Mount Washington Valley patient services.  100 volunteers participated in a fun-filled day on the slopes including skiing, snowboarding and tubing races at Cranmore Mountain, North Conway.

“Mount Washington Valley  residents,  second home owners, and visitors alike really  showed their spirit this weekend," said Kathy Metz, Community Executive for the American Cancer Society’s Race to Beat Cancer.  The top three individual fundraisers were Nancy Downing,  of Jackson, who brought in $1,625.00,  Jessi  Frechette of Columbia, who raised $1,325.00 from friends and family and Richard Ayer of Glen collecting $1,010.00 in donations.

Metz said that money raised in the 2009 Race To Beat Cancer will be used to speed up the search for new weapons to fight cancer. “Cancer will soon become the number-one killer in America as baby boomers grow older.  In order to expand our patient services in the Mount Washington Valley and research new ways to treat patients, we've got to channel more public attention and money into this problem."

“The funds raised through the Race to Beat Cancer enable us to continue our investment in the fight against cancer through research, education, advocacy, and patient services,” added Metz. “Thanks to the generosity of our volunteers and donors, the money raised by Race to Beat Cancer participants goes directly to the American Cancer Society’s lifesaving programs.”

American Cancer Society’s Race to Beat Cancer was made possible by our sponsors Capital Distributors, Cranmore Mountain, Storyland, The Mount Washington Radio Group (WMWV and Magic 104 fm), Flatbread Company, Abbott’s Ice Cream, M&M Assurance Group, The Memorial Hospital, Northway Bank, Pike, Conway Dahl Insurance, 1st Allied Securities, Androscoggin Valley Hospital,  the Bavarian Chocolate Haus, and Decades Steakhouse as well as many local business who donated goods and services for the top fundraiser prizes and raffle fundraisers.

Volunteers interested in serving on the 2010 planning committee are now needed. Join other area residents to help organize this fun and meaningful event.

The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy, and service.  For more information on events, programs and services in the Mount Washington Valley, please contact Kathy Metz, American Cancer Society Community Executive, at 356-3719/800-ACS-2345 or Kathy.metz@cancer.org.

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