Spectactular Spirit for Connor’s Run 2014
There really isn’t one adjective that sums up what happened last Sunday for our 2nd Connor’s Run.
The fact that 2 500 people ran, walked or volunteered was mega.
That the fundraising target of $250 000 was blown away with a final tally of $300 000 was epic.
That Connor delivered sunshine all day was special.
And that everyone smiled through the 18.8 or 9.6km trial was courageous.
There really isn’t an easy way to describe it. Magic, special, warm & fuzzy… they all fit.
We say that Connor’s Run isn’t about running or winning, but about finding your awesomeness, celebrating courage and Connor. From what many of the participants told us, we are 2 for 2 in achieving that special vibe. This has also meant that in our second year, Connor’s Run has already become the largest participation event for pediatric brain cancer in Australia.
So what happened on Sunday?
Well apart from the dance aerobic warm-ups, free hug animal-onsies, bubbles, balloons and bands? There were free massages, DJs, yummy food and goodies and lots and lots of good times. RCD Fund ambassador (former Miss Universe Australia) Olivia Wells ran her heart out too. And while our other ambassador James Tomkins was over in Europe with an IOC meeting, he was there in spirit, congratulating everyone via video. Shane Warne even made an appearance on his birthday, running 18.8km with his family.
A new addition this year was the NAB Very Important Fundraiser tent, a thank you area for those who really put their hearts into fundraising. With refreshing towels and nibbles galore, it hit the spot after taking on the trial.
Connor’s Run is special in another way. The entire event is put together by volunteers. The committee all work tirelessly for months pro bono. On the day, hundreds of volunteers man waterstops, traffic points, bbq’s and more. Generous suppliers dish out everything from signage to muffins to make the day delightful. And our presenting sponsors help to ensure a very large proportion of all funds raised from fundraising and registrations go towards brain matters projects.
With the funds raised this year, we are going to support a few specific projects.
These include The Robert Connor Dawes PhD Scholarship under the BCDC (Brain Cancer Discovery Collaborative).
And Funding of key projects at:
Royal Children’s Hospital-Neuro Oncology Department
Sydney Children’s Cancer Centre
Murdoch Research Institute
Monash Music Therapy Department
Peter Mac Cancer Centre Radiology Department
Royal Melbourne Neuro-Oncology Department
Thank you to our extraordinary committee:
Jane Abbott, Liz Dawes, Scott Dawes, Ellen Dooley, Di Farrow, Andrea Hamilton, Fiona Hardgrave, Jo Hynes, Emma Lomas, Pam Robertson, Jenny Selleck, Marek Wolski
Thank you to all our sponsors:
Brighton Renault, Hodges, Oracle, NAB, Brighton Grammar School, Firbank Grammar School, Coles, Supersprint, Epworth Rehabilitation, One Fitness
Thank you to all our suppliers & partners:
QMS Australia, Selby’s, Bayside Council, City of Melbourne, City of Port Phillip, Krafthaus, Walkin Fish, Zach Miller, Andrew Hopkinson, Benny & The Dukes, Danish, Physio Sports, Dance Dynamics, Mercantile Rowing Club
Le Tan, TPCC, Lombard Paper, Bay Rd Nursery, Kasbah, Corporate Signs & Displays (CSD), TR Hirecom, Monjon, The Osteo Clinic, Bakers Delight Elwood, Chooks n Coogs Footscray Market, Schweppes Australia, Five:Am, Bexters, Olie & Ari, Superrandom, Peter & Alex Wood, Fresh Connection, Hampton Fruit Market, The Pantry, The Muesli.
We’re excited for next year, we hope you are too.
Aeternum Fortis.