Economic Impact of Race for the Cure

In the "exciting" (that word is used, um, loosely) economic times we've been experiencing, I thought this email was VERY interesting...

Near perfect weather assured not only record registration but record attendance. Race participants were smiling and hugging and enjoying the continuous array of entertainers on the race route who were there to support our breast cancer advocates, all 45,938 of them. (One of those on the sidelines included our very own Governor Mike Beebe).

This year's race raised a record $1,875,000. After expenses, we will give about $400,000.00 directly to national breast cancer research. And close to $1,200,000 will be distributed in the 63 counties of Arkansas considered our service area. The race was a financial success! (Please note that costs for the race were less than 20%.)

Komen affiliates don't hold on to the money raised. Currently we are determining which grants we can fund. Money raised in October 2008 will be in the hands of our grantees by April 2009.

There is something else about the money that we raise.To understand that something else, let's start with a question. Which sporting event stimulates the United States economy more — the Super Bowl or the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure® Series? The Race for the Cure® series actually has double the impact on the U.S. economy than the Super Bowl has on its host city, and Arkansas is one of the top 10 states contributing to its significant economic impact.

An independent study conducted by Tripp Umbach, a leading provider of economic impact analysis, shows the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure® series had a total economic impact on the U.S. of nearly $779 million in 2007. In Arkansas, breast cancer activists, survivors, runners and partners raised more than $2.0 million to fight breast cancer and contributed more than $31.5 million to the Arkansas economy last year.

The Tripp Umbach report showed Arkansas ranked Number 8 in the Top 10 State Impacts. It is empowering to know that Komen has not only saved millions of lives through its research and community outreach programs, but has significantly impacted the U.S. economy.

Team JaNoel definitely contributed to the success of the 2008 race--by raising OVER $1,000!

If we continue on this trend--we'll probably be able to get up to $1500 next year!

Way to go!!