Local 917’s Team Pink Rescue Plays Bingo for Breast Cancer Research
August 2, 2011
Members of Local R5-917, EMS professionals with Polk County EMS of Florida, continue to raise money for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day Walk for the Cure this October. Team Pink Rescue recently held a fundraising bingo night, affectionately titled Bingo for the Boobies, where participants came out to show their support for breast cancer research.
“This event was very special to us because many of us are either affected personally or know someone in our family or friends that is,” said Ken Skaggs, member of the IAEP Local 917. “We were glad to come together for such a special event that helps breast cancer research.”
The bingo fundraiser was held Thursday, July 28, where between 75 to 100 people joined at the Gator Dockside in Lakeland, Florida to support the cause. The Local 917 Executive Board hosted the event while their fellow members joined guests, including IAEP Director of Organizing Bryan Hamrick, in playing bingo at the event.
Five bingo games were played with multiple cash prizes and there was a place for people to make individual donations to the cancer research. The Polk County EMS, Local R5-917, set a goal to raise $9,000 before the walk, and this event alone raised over $1,100. The local will continue to hold fundraising events until they participate in the charity walk in October.
“It was an honor to be a part of the recent Local 917 fundraiser to benefit breast cancer awareness,” said IAEP National Director Philip Petit. “The local came out in force to support the efforts of their Board members and everybody had a great time raising money for a very worthy cause.”
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide and any donations to its research can help bring the world closer to a cure. Members interested in helping Team Pink Rescue continue to raise money in support of breast cancer research are urged to contact Ken Skaggs via email at kskaggs@nage.org.