Joining in the Cure
Apr 3, 2009
By Michael Boo
Let’s face it, the economy is in the doldrums, people aren’t spending the way they had on travel or much of anything else, and not-for-profit organizations around the country are feeling the pinch. One could be forgiven for suspecting this is a time when WGI would be digging in its heels and keeping every penny it could scrounge up for itself.
Wrong!
According to Ron Nankervis, Executive Director of WGI, this is the perfect time to launch an awareness campaign with the performers and fans, adding, “I think what we do is the best thing in the world, but it’s not the only thing in the world. As lost as we can get in color guard, there are a number of things we can do for the world.”
To that end, WGI has partnered with Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the nations pre-eminent organization dedicated to eliminating breast cancer forever.
Nankervis presented the idea to WGI’s Executive Board, and the instant consensus was, “Times are tough, but we’re a stable, healthy organization. There’s no better time for us to be proactive and open up our world view.” And so, the decision was easy.Watch WGI Spin for the Cure at UD Arena.
WGI would rely on the participation of the performers, which had never been attempted in this manner. Nankervis had wanted to do something like this for several years, getting the members of WGI guards involved with something bigger than the activity. Susan G. Komen for the Cure was contacted because breast cancer will affect so many of the WGI performers, one way or another.
Each guard was sent 50 “WGI Spins for a Cure” pink wristbands to see for whatever they could get. The units were informed that the group that raised the most would enjoy a private session with famed “So You Think You Can Dance” choreographer Mia Michaels, plus would be given free World Class Finals tickets for the World Championships. (This honor was won by Greenfield Central HS of Indiana.) However, all groups that participated in the fund-raiser will be acknowledged in a future issue of WGI Focus.
Soon, WGI heard from many units that they needed more wristbands. The hope from Nankervis was that each group might raise $100, but many members were going into their schools to sell the bands. Nankervis received e-mails from several people who have had family members deal with the scourge of breast cancer.
A portion of all ticket sales for the Friday event in Dayton is being donated to Komen, as is the 50-50 raffle proceeds. A portion of the sales of special t-shirts is also going to Komen. It is hoped that several thousand dollars will be raised through all these coordinated efforts. (The final amount will be posted on WGI.org at a later date.)
WGI volunteer Jan Zebrowski is a volunteer who sold “WGI Spins for a Cure” buttons and wristbands in Dayton. She pointed out that this is the first year that WGI didn’t give gifts to the volunteers. Instead, that money was donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Zebrowski fully approved, stating, “I think that’s an awesome gesture. We should do something like that every year.”
It is hoped that this program can be expanded to all guards that participate under the WGI banner, including those that don’t attend the World Championships.
Nankervis admits, “I’m thrilled for everyone in this organization who made the decision to make this come to life, especially the performers. The members made it happen. It demonstrates the soul of WGI.”
About Susan G. Komen for the Cure
Susan G. Komen for the Cure is a grass roots organization that started in 1987 as a promise between two sisters: Nancy Brinker promised her dying sister Susan G. Komen that she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1987, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure; a national organization now with over 125 affiliates.
The mission of the organization is to end breast cancer forever by empowering women through education, screening, treatment and research. Today, Susan G. Komen for the Cure contributes the largest amount of non-governmental funds towards the battle against breast cancer.
The battle against breast cancer has been so successful because 90% of the disease is survivable, if discovered early. Still, one in eight women still develop breast cancer in their lifetime.
To date, Susan G. Komen for the Cure has invested over $1 Billion towards finding a cure. The Greater Cincinnati affiliate that WGI has partnered with has contributed over $6 Million over its 11-year history.
Amy Ritzie, Marketing and Special Events Coordinator for the affiliate, shared her thoughts about the partnership. “We are excited to spread our message of early detection and awareness to the audience because although breast cancer is more common in women over the age of 40, younger women can also develop breast cancer, even in their 20s.
“WGI has now become part of the promise made by the two sisters. We are honored that WGI has joined our mission to end breast cancer forever. It’s a great opportunity for us to spread our message of early detection to young women.”
All should remember that the key to survival is early detection. For more information, contact 1-800 I’M AWARE or go online at www.komen.org
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