The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) sponsors "Great Strides" walks and other events to raise awareness and funds for research toward control and a cure for CF. My family got involved with CFF and formed "Team Faith". Through 2007, Team Faith has raised about $375,000 towards research that buys time for CF patients until a cure is found. We're committed to keep working until the last dollar needed is raised!
2001 Realizing what a difference community involvement makes, in 2001 my parents managed the effort to set-up a new Great Strides walk site in our home town, Shepherdstown, WV. The people of Shepherdstown and surrounding towns, and family and friends made it a great success! We raised about $36,000 to support cystic fibrosis research. See 2001 Team Faith pictures
My parents began learning about cystic fibrosis (CF) as soon as my condition was diagnosed. They are committed to doing whatever they can to support the research to help find a cure. They have enlisted all the help they can get from family and friends, and the community at large.
Team Faith 1999
2002
With even more community support and sponsorship, we added Great Strides wrap-around events. We held our first golf tournament at Cress Creek Country Club, and a 5K Run/Walk and Kids' Fun Run at Poor House Farm Park. We had lots of "kid power". Children at Shepherdstown Elementary, South Jefferson Elementary and St. Joseph's School raised money with Hop-a-thons and Hat Days. Many children raised their own money to earn a CFF T-shirt at our Great Strides Walk at Morgan Grove Park. Thanks to all our wonderful supporters we raised about $54,000 for CFF research. See 2002 Team Faith pictures
Great Strides Walk 2001
2003
The 2003 Golf Classic and Great Strides Walk and Silent Auction were held in gray and rainy weather; but, months of fund-raising efforts culminated in sunny results. The kids collected, hopped (Shepherdstown Elementary), wore hats (St. Joseph's), an/or walked to make their contributions. Again, many kind businesses and individuals donated money, goods, and services as gifts, prizes, and Silent Auction items. McDonald's, Waldenbooks, and Dip & Twist provided special promotions. In the fall we held our first Chili Cook-off and our second 5K Run/Walk and Kids' Fun Run. Team Faith's wonderful supporters raised over $55,000 to contribute to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. See 2003 Team Faith pictures
Updated: 7/2/2009
2004
The weather was much improved for 2004 Great Strides events, a chilly day for the Golf Classic and a nice spring day for the Walk and Silent Auction. Most of our previous sponsors and donors came through again. We had some enthusiastic new supporters this year, too, like the kids from Tuscarora Elementary who held a Hat Day, and the Jefferson Cougar Drum Corps who kicked off our walk with a flourish! In the fall, we had a great turnout for our second Chili Cook-off which was moved to the Shepherdstown Train Station; and, another beautiful day for our third 5K Run/Walk. With our four main and many smaller wrap-around events, Team Faith supporters again raised about $55,000 toward CF research.
Ronald McDonald and DC News 4 reporter Jackie Bensen added star power to the 2005 Great Strides Walk and Silent Auction. Of course, the real stars of all our fund-raising events are the wonderful donors and sponsors who continue to support Team Faith, and the incredible folks who volunteer to make the events happen and work tirelessly to raise every possible dollar! The proceeds from the Walk and Silent Auction, Golf Classic, Chili Cook-off, 5K Run/Walk, and other events exceeded prior year, and we came close to reaching our goal of $60,000 for CF research.
Fundraising started with a series of parties - purses, Pampered Chef, Longaberger - proceeding each Team Faith Committee meeting. They provided cash and products to jump start the Walk and Silent Auction donations, and an opportunity for fun for all. An added dimension of fun at our Walk and Silent Auction came from a dunk tank, featuring the opportunity to immerse several local "celebrities" who were willingly soaked to raise money for CFF! A very special thanks goes to those good sports who we want to stay dry until next year when their services may be called upon again!! The Golf Classic and Chili Cook-offs this year were the most successful yet, bringing our overall proceeds to about $55,000 for CF research.
Team Faith first participated in the Great Strides walks in Frederick, MD in 1999 and 2000, raising $3,000 the first year and $8,000 in 2000.
2007
Longaberger and purse parties at the Team Faith Committee meetings again provided auction items to start off the year's fund-raising. The weather for the Walk and Silent Auction was cool, but, the participants and supporters were warm-hearted, and our results were hot! Special thanks to the bravehearts who ignored the chilly temperature and made the dunk tank a rousing success again! Rising costs made us decide to forego a golf tournament this year. We obtained a beautiful quilt from a long-time supporter and award-winning quilter to raffle as a special wrap-around fund-raiser. The drawing added spice to the annual chili cook-off Labor Day weekend. With a lot of work, we raised about $50,000 for CF research.
The Great Strides Walk and Silent Auction planning is underway. Please plan to join us Saturday, 3 May for a great family day at Morgan Grove Park, And, watch for updates on this and other events throughout the year. Your suggests - and, of course, donations - are welcome anytime!
