For more than a decade of support, the Survivorship Dragon Boat team recently presented Valley First with a custom paddle-mounted plaque.
“Valley First has been in the boat with us since the very beginning,” said Charleen Edis, external communication director. “Words can’t express our gratitude for all they have done for us over the years. We wanted to show our appreciation and recognize Valley First’s long-term commitment which has helped us, and continues to help us, achieve our goals.”
The “ladies in pink,” as they are affectionately known, have lofty goals. Aside from winning medals, these goals include raising breast cancer awareness and showing survivors there is life after diagnosis and treatment.
“With the help of our supporters, Cathie Lauer and the other founding members have built the team over the years to a position of strength,” said Edis. “This has enabled us to raise awareness and research funding as well as provide breast cancer education and encourage survivors to lead a healthy and active lifestyle.”
For the past 11 years, Valley First has made an annual monetary contribution to the team as well as supporting their local race day efforts.
“The Survivorship team is a made up of a really great group of ladies,” said Valley First’s Christa Phillips. “Most of us know someone who has been affected by breast cancer so it’s fantastic for us to be able to support the team and its goals. At Valley First, we aim to make a real difference in the lives of our members and communities. Supporting the Survivorship dragon boat team is a small example of our everyday efforts.”
In 2010, Valley First donated nearly $300,000 to non-profits, charities and community events and employees volunteered more than 1,100 hours in their communities.