Second Annual "Housy One-Miler" Swim to Benefit Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital
Jul
12
Written by:
7/12/2011 8:34 AM
DERBY, CT (July 12, 2011) - Griffin Hospital will host the second annual "Housy One-Miler" swim at 10:00 am Sunday, August 14. This one-mile swim event, sponsored by Prudential, will begin at the Housatonic River Bank, 36 Birchbank Road in Shelton.
In concert with a committee of volunteers and the residents of the Birchbank area of Shelton, Griffin Hospital launched the Housy One-Miler swim last year to raise money for the Campaign for Breast Wellness, which aims to raise $1 million for the Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness. The event experienced such an outpouring of support and enthusiasm from the community that the hospital decided to produce a second swim. “With the leadership and support of so many dynamic volunteers, led by Charlie Sullivan and Pat Tarasovic, we are sure to have another huge success and to raise considerable support for our Campaign, which is currently within $250,000 of being complete,” said Patrick Charmel, President and CEO of Griffin Hospital.
The swim event is being organized by a committee of community leaders who are lending their time and talents to this worthwhile effort. Committee members include Charlie Sullivan, Event Co-Chair, Patricia Tarasovic, Event Co-Chair and Co-Chair of the Campaign for Breast Wellness, Joyce Barcley, Susan Coyle, Patrick DiCaprio, Liz Kennard, Pam Petro, and Jack Walsh. In addition, the residents of the Birchbank section of Shelton open up their front lawns, docks, and waterfronts to host the event.
Co-Chair Charlie Sullivan, owner of John J. Sullivan’s Restaurant in Ansonia, says planning is well underway, and swimmers have already begun to register online. “As a Birchbanker myself, I know I speak for my friends and neighbors when I say that we are thrilled to be hosting the event for a second year. It’s a fantastic opportunity for all of us to come together and have fun while raising money for a cause that has touched every one of us.”
This year, the event will feature a "Fun Swim" for those who don’t feel they can swim the entire mile. The Fun Swim is an opportunity for individuals to take a dip, make a splash, and raise money for the cause. “It’s all about raising awareness about breast cancer prevention, building community, and helping the hospital save lives. And we can do all of that while having a great time together. There’s nothing better than that!” said Tarasovic.
Early registration on for the event is encouraged, as the swim is limited to the first 100 to register. Swimmers must be 16 years of age or older within 2011 calendar year to participate, and written parental permission is required for those under 18. All participants will receive a commemorative t-shirt. No swim aids are allowed (unless participating in the Fun Swim), wet suits are optional, and swimming caps are required.
Each swimmer is encouraged to raise a minimum of $100 in pledges from their families, friends, and/or co-workers, and swimmers will receive a special color swim cap corresponding to the amount of pledges they raise ($100 - Red Cap; $1,500 - Silver Cap; $500 - Blue Cap; $1,000 -Bronze Cap; and $2,000 - Gold Cap).
Individuals interested in participating in the Housy One-Miler can register on www.housyswim.kintera.org. The web site allows participants to register and do all of their fundraising online, and it provides easy links to Facebook, Linked-In and Twitter, which enable swimmers access social media tools to help broadcast their efforts to friends and family.
In addition, various sponsorship opportunities exist for non-swimmers looking to join the effort, with each including a specific benefit package. For more information on the Housy One-Miler, contact the Griffin Hospital Development Fund at 203.732.7504 or go to www.griffinhealth.org.
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