Feature Story
Health Center Today, June 15, 2011
Riders, Walkers Join Calhoun Despite Rain
By Jennifer Huber
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The fifth annual NBC Connecticut Jim Calhoun Challenge Ride and Walk drew a large crowd this past Saturday, June 11. Nearly 1,500 people came out to support the fight against cancer. Despite rainy weather, the event was incredibly successful.
The annual event raises funds for the Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center at the UConn Health Center and Coaches vs. Cancer, a program of the American Cancer Society. While fundraising will continue until August 26, this year’s event is expected to bring the five-year total to more than $1 million. A running total of money raised so far is available at http://calhounridewalk.kintera.org. The top individual fundraiser participating this year raised an incredible $11,350. An additional three participants each raised $5,000 or more.
Five-hundred bicyclists joined Coach Calhoun in the ride. Another 350 people participated in the walk/run, which was led by Calhoun’s wife, Pat Calhoun. UConn President Susan Herbst, who started in her new post this week, joined the 5K walk. In addition to the ride and walk/run, the UConn Health Center Department of Dermatology provided free skin cancer screenings to more than 60 guests.
The NBC Connecticut Jim Calhoun Challenge Ride and Walk was presented by CIGNA and the Hartford law firm of RisCassi & Davis, in association with many other generous sponsors.