July 8, 2011
For immediate release
Contact: Jerry Ewing/503-681-1654

11th Annual C.A.T. Walk & Fun Run sets records

The Tuality Healthcare Foundation’s C.A.T. Walk & Fun Run set records for money raised and number of participants during the 11th annual event held July 4 in downtown Hillsboro. The event raised approximately $58,500 for Cancer Awareness and Treatment; 1,275 walkers and runners took part in the event. Proceeds from the 2011 event will go directly to Tuality’s new Breast Health Center, which is scheduled to open this fall.

The event has raised over $500,000 in its 11 years of existence, a testament to the greater Hillsboro community’s resolve to help fight all forms of cancer. The annual event, a prelude to the largest 4th of July parade in Oregon, is actually three events in one – a Kids’ Dash, a competitive 5k run and a 5k walk.

A group of around 50 kids took part in the dash on a sunny, warm July morning. After the dash, the kids took part in carnival games at the Kids’ Zone set up near the Civic Center.  Then, the serious runners and walkers toed the starting line under the direction of Dr. Mike Egans, Tuality Healthcare Foundation board chairman. Eric Valdez was the men’s winner in a sizzling time of 17.29, followed by Gary Calhoun, 17:56; Brian Conary, 18.32; Keith Foster, 19.06; Jose Garza, 20.05 and Steven Heulett, 20.18. Jamie Linnerooth was the women’s winner in 19.36, followed by Laura Matzki, 20.33; Christy Hulett, 20.40; Hillary Harris, 20.44; Taylor Coulson, 22.25; and Tricia Morrison, 23.16.

The Health Fair showcased many of the Tuality Healthcare departments that provide quality care as well as some of the event corporate sponsors. Another popular attraction was the annual cancer survivor photo on the steps of the Civic Center. This year, a total of 62 cancer survivors donned pink shirts to signify they were cancer survivors.

Cece Clitheroe, director of the Tuality Healthcare Foundation, was enthusiastic in her praise of the participants and volunteers who made this year’s event the most successful so far.

“I must thank the community for the record fundraising,” she said. “This event continues to amaze me. It gets bigger and better every year.  The first year in 2001, we attracted 328 participants, and now, it’s closing in on 1,300 participants. The money raised of nearly $60,000 shows the community support even in a down economy.”

Clitheroe had special thanks for all of the many volunteers and C.A.T. Walk sponsors, especially Genentech, Metro West Ambulance and West Coast Bank.
   
Personal fundraising for the C.A.T. Walk will continue until 5 p.m. July 29, the deadline for people to turn in their personal fundraising pledges. People can still create a fundraising page by clicking on the fundraising button at the top of the page and follow the steps under the heading Create a Personal Fundraising Page. The top fundraisers will be eligible for the following prizes from 1360-KUIK: 1st place, $200 gift certificate to the Riverhouse Resort in Bend, 2nd place, river cruise for two on the Willamette River, 3rd place, 20 movie tickets.