After weeks of training and multiple fundraising events, eight dedicated members of Team Sutton Seafair climbed onto their bicycles for a gruelling two-day, 240-kilometre ride from Aldergrove to Seattle.
They raised $26,000 for the B.C. Cancer Foundation through the Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer. Kathy Dickinson, a realtor at Sutton Group - Seafair Realty and the team captain, credits her colleagues for their willingness to participate in the long distance ride and the enthusiast support of a large network of realtors, staff, friends and clients.
"At an office meeting in Tsawwassen and Richmond, I encouraged others to join me in this worthwhile cause," says Dickinson. "I explained that it would be a challenge to train and participate in this event, but it's nothing like the challenge that those who have cancer face every day."
It was Dickinson's love of cycling and her desire to give back that motivated her to sign up and inspire others to join her. She was able to attract seven team members including realtors Don Ross, Bridget Ross and Ben Lim from the Tsawwassen office, and Merilee McCaffery and Izabela Wasiela from the Richmond office, along with "many supporting cast members."
Each bicyclist was required to raise a minimum of $2,500 in pledges and complete fitness training. She notes that in addition to individual fundraising efforts, the team organized a bingo night, a pub night and a luncheon to raise money for the cause.
"The highlight for me was coming through the finish line with the smiling faces of friends, family members and co-workers cheering us on. A special thanks to Scott Russell, our Broker, who had Sutton jerseys made up for us, and Marie Piperni and Arlie Piperni who went above and beyond to help us organize fundraisers, co-ordinate the design and ordering of the jerseys and assisting us with the fundraisers."
Although the weather was rainy and cool for this June 18-19, 2011 event, Kathy is happy to report that the entire Team Sutton Seafair has signed up again for next year.
Across B.C. and the Pacific Northwest, 2,879 people rode in this year's Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer raising $11.1 million. Since 2009, the Ride has raised $27.2 million.
