Teams have opportunities to win fundraising awards this year

Race for the Cure teams who raise the most funds this year can win a new fundraising award that gives them VIP privileges on race day.

The VIP fundraiser rewards are special prizes for the top five fundraising teams who raise $1,500 or more by Oct. 14, said team chairperson Hollis Boyette. Members of the winning teams will receive special armbands that allow them inside the Gleboff Arts Building at Four States Fairgrounds for a special breakfast on the day of the race.

“It’s a really good incentive for teams to raise money. Fundraising is a big part of the Komen Race. This is extra money going back to our community for breast cancer,” Boyette said.

This year’s race will be Oct. 17 at the fairgrounds.

Teams help add a sense of camaraderie and competition to Komen Texarkana Race for the Cure.

“The teams make everything fun. They create their own T-shirts. They bring a lot of spirit to our race. Most teams walk in honor of someone. Some are businesses, but some walk in honor of someone, and that makes those teams really special. Also, their fundraising helps get us one step closer to finding a cure,” said Amber Lawrence, executive director of Komen Texarkana.

Boyette said it’s more fun for people to be on a team.

“It gets people in the spirit of the race. We have been giving out ideas on how to promote your team and how to make it fun. We want people to say, ‘Let’s do something fun and win this special breakfast,’” Boyette said.

Race preparations start in April. The teams started organizing in August and chose team captains then. Teams must have at least eight members each.

Trophies are given to teams of 10 or more that register by Oct. 2. Trophies are given in the following categories: Largest team Best corporate team Best small-business team Best church team Best school team Best family and friends team Anyone interested in starting a team should call the Komen office at 903-7919585 for a team packet.

Gazette file photo by Jerry Habraken Debbi Jones has been collecting pins for her Race for the Cure hat for 14 years. “I always work the race and over the years I get a new pin here and there, I love them,” said Jones.

Gazette file photo by Jerry Habraken Long lines were an early indication of the success of the 2014 Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure as teams assembled at the Four States Fairgrounds.