They had set a goal this year of going over the $100,000 mark. They made it!
Casting for a Cure is a statewide “fish-a-thon” that raises money to fight cancer in greater Minnesota, while allowing all of Minnesota to participate-by fishing!
You can listen to organizer Joe Schulte talk about the event during this MNSJ Radio show, podcastable here. Scroll down to 8/10/13.
Here is more info about it:
SARTELL, MN – Over 100 anglers dropped their lines in various bodies of water in Minnesota on August 23rd & 24th to search for the biggest fish – and a hope for a cure. Saturday, August 24th marked the fifth annual Casting for a Cure event with the Celebration of Hope at Blue Line Bar & Grill in Sartell. The Fish-A-Thon, which was held on the evening of Friday, August 23rd and Saturday, August 24th was followed by a Celebration of Hope, which included a memorial and honor wall, silent auction with more than 100 items, outdoor activities, inflatables, hourly door prize drawings, and an awards ceremony with live music at the Blue Line Bar & Grill. Hundreds of community members from Greater Minnesota attended the event through the day and evening, showing their support of a very hopeful effort by the Planning and Volunteer committee. Casting for a Cure is a fundraising event presented by Greater Minnesota Fight for a Cure. Greater MN Fight for a Cure is dedicated to raising funds that benefit the immediate communities of Central Minnesota, which not only include the Coborn Cancer Center, but individual family grants, as well as hospice care to name a few.
This year, the group’s focus was on “Catching the big one in 2013”, a cumulative 5 year fundraising goal of $100,000. “We are so overjoyed seeing the culmination of 5 years of hard work and support from our community, family, friends, and local businesses–pay off to reach our goal. We have been able to contribute to so many incredibly important cancer resources and prevention efforts because of this support and accomplishment. Not only are we able to donate to a variety of resources, but we are rallying in support around those affected by cancer in an effort to ease their own cancer journey, as well as put efforts into early detection and education efforts,” Sarah Cords, event coordinator commented.
Tracy Schulte, Co-Director of Casting for a Cure said, “The response on Saturdaywas overwhelming; we all know someone that has been impacted by cancer in one way or another. It is devastating to hear a cancer diagnosis, and an emotional and challenging battle to experience. We are humbled by the time and effort of our generous volunteers and the tremendous support of our local community, who have supported those affected by cancer for the fifth year in a row.”
The money raised benefits Central Minnesota cancer resources such as; The Coborn Cancer Center, colon cancer screening kits, Enhancement Programs, Family Grants, Gorecki Guest House, hospice care, Quiet Oaks Hospice, Survivorship/Caring Conversations, Case Coordinators & Prayer Blankets.
In addition to the many festivities and a show of community support at the Celebration of Hope on Saturday, August 24th, attendees were able to enjoy and become inspired by another experience. Trent Karasch, an event planning committee member who lost his Mother Sandy Karasch to cancer 5 years ago, agreed to have his 18 inches of hair cut off at the event if attendees were able to raise $1,000 in additional donations. With the donations pouring in, Bob Hughes of KNSI upped the ante even further, with an offer to shave off Trent’s sideburns for $50 each in donations. Two hours and $1100 in donations, Trent entered the stage area with friend and stylist Kristin Stiche, surrounded by cheering family, friends and event attendees. He gave a touching speech, dedicating the donations in honor of his mother to the enhancement program at Coborn Cancer Center, which provides wigs and helps cancer patients through the challenges of losing their hair. His hair was then donated to Locks for Love.
With a successful five years behind them, the planning committee look to the future for new goals and inspiring ways to continue the fight for a cure provide a positive impact on individuals and families affected by cancer.
About Casting for a Cure
Casting for a Cure is a fund raising event to support the Greater Minnesota Fight for a Cure, whose vision is to support cancer patients and families impacted by cancer in Greater Minnesota, while involving the community and raising funds for cancer awareness, prevention & resources. Donate any amount at any time to contribute to local cancer awareness, prevention and resources. Learn more about Greater MN Fight for a Cure at www.castingforacure.org or www.facebook.com/castingforacure.
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