Resort’s Making Strides Event Off To Solid Start

OCEAN CITY --  Beverly Furst had a good feeling about combining her already successful "Pink Ribbon Classic 5K Run" with the American Cancer Society's "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer" event, but the support and interest she's received since the kickoff breakfast three weeks ago has been nothing short of extraordinary.

"The energy behind 'Making Strides' is simply contagious," said Furst.  "Our committee knows how vital an event like 'Strides' is in raising money for the American Cancer Society's battle against breast cancer and the community has never been more supportive."

More than 25 teams totaling more than 200 participants have already registered for the "Making Strides" 5K Walk/Run to be held Saturday, Oct. 15 in Ocean City at Hooters on the Boardwalk and 5th Street.  

The momentum behind the "Strides" event was further bolstered during the recent "Poor Girls Open" Fishing Tournament held at Bahia Marina and Fish Tales Bar & Grill.

Owner, Shawn Harman, a long time, avid supporter of the area's Pink Ribbon events announced his family’s endorsement of Ocean City’s inaugural "Strides" event as a $2,000 Flagship Sponsor, in addition to the $52,000 in proceeds from the tournament.  

All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society’s breast cancer programs of research, education, patient programs and services.  Other local sponsors making the early commitment of support include Candy Kitchen and the event’s site host, Hooters.  

Since its inception in 1993, nearly seven million "Making Strides" walkers nationwide have raised more than $400 million.  In 2010, more than 800,000 walkers across the country collected more than $60 million.

To register for the Oct. 15 "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer" Walk/Run, become a sponsor or to learn more about the event, please call Furst at 410-251-8020, email stridesoceancity@gmail.com or visit www.stridesoceancity.org.

For more information on breast cancer, visit www.cancer.org or call your American Cancer Society toll-free at 1-800-ACS-2345.