The very first fundraiser of Chase the Cure took place in Kelowna BC at the University of British Columbia Okanagan. With less than a weeks notice, the students of the University of British Columbia Okanagan responded. Speakers, Musicians and plenty of support all arrived in full force for the night. We had around 6 different musicians get up and play several pieces, and some fantastic poetry in front of around 80 students.
I asked one question in which the response always seems to set me back. I asked the people of the room "How many people in this room have been affect by cancer directly, or indirectly through family or friends to please raise their hands." Every single hand went up in the room. I spoke of how cancer had affected me in my life and why I had decided to do this ride not merely for that but rather every single person affected by this disease. The amount of support I received after my talk in terms of people telling me their stories about how Cancer affected their life and they support Chase the Cure 100%, as well as the hugs shared set for one beautiful evening.
The night was absolutely set when one students father asked me if he could get on the mic and say a few words. He went up there and talked about how cancer had affected him and has affected every single person in the room. He gave kudos to those who had gone up before him speaking, and preforming. He Challenge the students who showed up to donate and dropped a $50 dollar bill in the donation bin and walked off stage. This generous action was given a generous response by the students of the University of British Columbia Okanagan raising nearly $500 within 2 and 1/2 hours.
I would like to thank those students who came out to this event and showed their support and your the reasons that this ride will be a success. I would like to thank those who helped organize this event and let them know that their dedication to Chase the Cure has not gone unnoticed but is rather very much appreciated.
Together We Ride,
Wes Bauer
