Vacationers Raise $35,000 for Aids and Breast Cancer Organizations

Chicago, IL, August 28, 2009 --(PR.com)-- The event, the Ireland Walk or Ride August 9 – 15, 2009, was organized by For A Cause, an IRS Recognized non-profit organization, and combined fundraising, cycling, walking and a vacation into a “Vacation For A Cause.” This week-long event set in the Connemara region of Ireland, just north of Galway, asked its participants to cycle more than 300-miles or walk more than 60-miles all while raising money for non-profit organizations.

The week was structured as any other typical long-distance multi-day cycling or walking fundraising event, where participants asked friends, family and co-workers for donations. Then the participants either walked 60-miles or rode 300-miles over the course of 5-days as dedication to their donors and their cause. This is where the similarities of the fundraiser ends and the vacation begins. Unlike other walking or cycling events, participants pay a higher than usual registration fee, allowing in some cases 100% of their donations to go back to the beneficiaries and not pay for their “Vacation.” Participants then spent the week in a 15th century castle, enjoyed home cooked meals, slept on comfortable beds, and enjoyed private bathrooms. "It’s not necessary to spend a week in a tent; shower in trucks with thousands of other people or use port-a-jon’s to show your dedication to your cause." Said Organizer and Founder Rob Webber.

Beneficiaries for the event were the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation and Breast Cancer Network of Strength. Participants can also designate an additional beneficiary and have 1/3 of their donations go to this additional beneficiary. Additional beneficiaries this year included God’s Love We Deliver, Susan G Komen For the Cure, the National Kidney Foundation and others.

Many of the participants have returned year after year, for instance George Cominskie, of Manhattan, has been cycling with For A Cause every year since 2003 and every year has raised more money that any other participant. This year George recruited three other participants from Manhattan, Rider Laurie Chittenden, Walker Tim Moore, and Crewmember Jimmy Ward. Combined they raised more than $15,000 for the beneficiaries and designated God’s Love We Deliver as their additional beneficiary.

Illinois area participants included Riders Julie Rucinski and Steven Giovagnoli, both of Schaumburg, Rider Maria Bahena, organizer Rob Webber and crewmember Dennis Johnson all of Chicago. Julie and Steve participate for Julie’s Mom who is a Breast Cancer Survivor and Maria Rides for her Mom who lost her battle with Kidney Disease.

Los Angeles California area participants included best friends Teri Lesner and Jackie Lewis, both walkers who started walking as a way to give back. Soon after they registered, Teri was diagnosed with Breast Cancer and is now a survivor herself.

Other participants included Crewmembers David Diehl and Michael Chavez both of Atlanta Georgia. This was David’s second event as a crewmember and Michael’s first. “I am so glad David talked me into this.” Said Michael Chavez. “At first I was apprehensive about what to expect, but now I see it’s a perfect way to spend a vacation and I hope to do more.”

2010 events are the Tuscany Italy Walk or Ride and the Spain Walk or Ride. Additional information on both of these events can be found on the company’s website WWW.RFAC.ORG.

For A Cause is a registered 501(C)(3) non-profit organization who’s mission is to inspire and energize people to get involved.

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