“I am in awe of what Komen does for women and I’m honored to be part of their mission. An event like this one reminds us of our ability to make a very real, very tangible impact in our community. It positively is one of the most favorite parts of my job!”
– Shelly Leslie, WRAL-TV Creative Director & Team WRAL Co-Captain
WRAL-TV’s Cindy Hoegg (r to l), Loretta Harper-Arnold & their former co-worker Annette French get ready to walk. |
The numbers are in and WRAL-TV, MIX 101.5 and our viewers and listeners have once again come out on top. Team WRAL reigned supreme for the third year in a row as the number one fundraising team for the third year in a row the 2009 Komen Race for the Cure.
WRAL-TV Accountant Pam White is a veteran on Team WRAL, having participated in the Race for the Cure for the past several years.
“I walk because I support the cause of early detection and early treatment of breast cancer as well as the hope of one day finding a cure,” said White. “I have several aunts and a sister-in-law who are breast cancer survivors. Breast cancer definitely touches everyone whether you have it or know someone who has it.”
WRAL-TV and MIX 101.5 are central figures at the annual event. WRAL-TV Online & Print Lead Designer Bill Burch is always a part of making sure TEAM WRAL has a big presence at the race.
“My day began very early Saturday morning around 5:15am prepping our WRAL tent and making sure everything was in place for the onslaught of Race for the Cure runners and walkers,” explained Bill Burch. “We handed out promotional giveaways like lip balm, sunscreen and headwear to a steady stream of attendees beginning around 6am until we ran out of everything by 8:15am. The whole event was well attended and the heat of the day wasn’t as bad in previous years.”
TEAM WRAL was 317 members strong, with support from many dedicated WRAL-TV and WRAL-FM employees.
“We had so many individuals approach us and express their admiration for WRAL and, how they appreciate WRAL being a sponsor of such a wonderful event,” said Burch. “Everyone was in high spirits and certainly enjoyed seeing our personalities like Pam Saulsby, Ken Smith, Kelcey Carlson, Erin Hartness and others participate. On a personal note, this event represents a wonderful method for not only raising dollars to help research and treat breast cancer, but also a way to raise awareness by communicating directly with Cancer Survivors and those who want to rid themselves of the cancer. I heard some very touching stories that I will remember for a long time.”
A Show of Support
Team WRAL veteran Leonard Peebles (center) couldn’t run this year, but he cheered on his teammates all the same- |
Because of a recent hip surgery, dedicated Team WRAL member Leonard Peebles wasn’t able to participate in the 2009 Race for the Cure. He was sad to not be able to run, but he showed up to watch from the sidelines and support his co-workers, friends and a great cause. |
There is no way to participate in the Race for the Cure without being moved. And Team WRAL is proud to be a part of the event’s success.
“At the Race for the Cure event itself it’s very gratifying to see all the survivors as well as the thousands of supporters,” said White. “It’s just a great cause and I plan to be walking on Team WRAL again next year. Hope lots of other CBC employees will join us next year, too!”
Thanks to WRAL-TV’s Shelly Leslie for these capcom photos.
