Berkshires event raises $120,000 for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute - March 06, 2008
LENOX – Organizers of the 2007 Annual BrockTrot announced today that they will present a check for $120,000 to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute on Wednesday, March 12th. The check represents funds raised through the Second Annual BrockTrot, a 10K race held in October of each year where kids, adults, seniors and the entire community participate. The ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. at Founders’ Theatre at Shakespeare & Company’s campus at 70 Kemble Street in Lenox.
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (www.dana-farber.org) is a principal teaching affiliate of the Harvard Medical School and is among the leading cancer research and care centers in the United States. It is a founding member of the Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center (DF/HCC), designated a comprehensive cancer center by the National Cancer Institute.
Race director John Toole, who is owner of Toole Insurance Agency, says he couldn’t be more thrilled by the event’s success.
“Being a part of the BrockTrot has truly been a highlight of my life,” he says. “Working with such positive people in carrying out our mission of highlighting Brock’s life and promoting the values of community, inspiration, motivation, love and commitment, and raising funds for cancer research is such a rewarding experience.”
BrockTrot is named for Brock Wilkerson, a Stockbridge resident who had a talent for amassing friends and trained relentlessly for several marathons. He participated in his final marathon, the 2005 Boston Marathon, just four months before he succumbed to lung cancer.
Toole will present the donation to Abby M. Kussell of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
Over 300 people participated in the Brocktrot in its first year, netting the race $40,000 which it then donated to Dana-Farber. And the event continues to grow – last year’s Brocktrot attracted over 400 runners/walkers, despite the frigid temperature.
Toole says local sponsors are responsible for making the event a success.
“We are grateful for our sponsors and contributors,” adds Toole. “As a result of their amazing generosity, we are able to realize a major part of our mission. This substantial contribution to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is only made possible through their enthusiastic support.”
This year’s race will take place on October 19th at Shakespeare & Company’s Kemble Street campus. Shakespeare & Company has been home to the event since its inception in 2006.
“We are very proud to host this event each year,” says Nick Puma, Managing Director at Shakespeare & Company. “We congratulate the organizers of the BrockTrot for all their hard work and are pleased to be a part of their cause.” |