1st 2009 Race Committee Meeting

We're off to a wonderful start! It was great to see old friends and new alike. We had a great turnout for the first meeting! Let's see what news you would like to hear...

The color this year is PLUM and this is our SWEET 16. Health will be a major focus. Great news is that the Race Space will once again be located at Pleasant Ridge Towne Center. Of course, it doesn't open until October 2, but we like to know well in advance. We don't know the exact location at this time.

Report from the 2008 Race: Total registration was 45,938. (Sherrye said all but 8 were at the race. haha) Total amount raised was $1,875,000. After expenses, contribution to national research grants was $403,000 and grants given in Arkansas totaled $1,050,000.

The committee got their first look at the blog.

Team Captain Party is Sunday, July 19. There will be a format change. Instead of the sit down meeting style, there will be booths for different areas (i.e. Because I Care, Three Miles of Men) around the room that you can go to for information and to ask questions. Please make plans now to attend.

Three Miles of Men are planning their Tailgate Party and other events again this year.

New this year is a Training Program. This will be a 6-week program to get participants ready for the race. This is designed for people of all ages, but you must be registered for the Race to participate. They will meet twice a week at 6:00 p.m. for 1 to 1.5 hours. Kickoff is August 29, but I do not know yet where this will be taking place or how to register. It will also be available online and in the Democrat Gazette.

Because I Care had 28 Hot Pink Heroes in 2008. These are participants who raised $1201 or more during the Because I Care Campaign. Their luncheon will be sometime the week before the Team Captain Party. New levels and prizes are being planned for 2009. $150 will remain the level for a Because I Care t-shirt. 18 of the Hot Pink Heroes raised over $1501 each. The top fund raiser came in with over $8000, so start planning your strategy now.

We're very excited that the Pasta Party will be at Dickey-Stephens Park. It's shaping up to be a great change of venue. A Mother's Day Fund Raiser is also planned at the park. (More on that in a few days.)

Another new "event" planned for this year is Put A Fork In It. Various restaurants around town are being asked to donate part of their proceeds the day of the Race. You know we all want food after that great exercise we get on Race Morning. I'll keep you posted on what restaurants are participating so that you can make your plans accordingly.

I think that's about all of the news and reports. I'll be updating the calendar soon so that you don't miss anything. AND did you notice that I moved the Team Photos to the top?

Jill