Norwalk Fundraiser Raises Money For Cancer Reasearch

NORWALK, CT — Sunday was a picture-perfect, blue sky day for the William Raveis Charitable Fund’s fourth annual Raveis Ride + Walk, held at Calf Pasture Beach in Norwalk, where more than 650 people rode 12, 25 or 50 miles, walked a 5K or participated in the family activities.

According to a news release, they are on track to reach their goal of raising $500,000 for the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation, which funds the most promising scientists conducting cutting-edge research to find a cure for cancer.

The family-friendly event also included patient and scientist speakers, raffles, kids’ dash, tug-of-war, pumpkin decorating, bouncy slide and face painting, followed by a lively, crowd-favorite performance by The Wailers, the legendary reggae band formed by the late Bob Marley.

The fundraising window stays open until October 31 at raveisridewalk.com.

The Wailers played a 90-minute set, including greatest hits like “One Love,” “I Shot the Sheriff” and “Stir It Up” and had the crowd on their feet dancing and singing along.

“The Wailers sang with heart and to give people hope,” William Raveis Charitable Fund managing director Meghan Raveis said in a release. “And that’s why we do this event -- to give people hope that someday there will be a cure for cancer.”

Bob Marley passed away in 1981 after a four-year battle with skin cancer, but The Wailers have carried on his mission to keep the band together.

“Bob Marley wanted us to continue performing because as he said, ‘By doing that, you keep me alive through the music,’” Familyman of The Wailers said in a release. “Cancer hit us close to home, so we’d like to think Bob would be even more touched we’re performing to raise money for innovative cancer research.”

One hundred percent of the event donations benefits the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation. Before this event, the William Raveis Charitable Fund had raised $1.5 million and has funded 14 scientists who are researching eight different types of cancer. By the end of this year, they are on track to raise $500,000 more to fund additional research.

Damon Runyon identifies the brightest early-career scientists with innovative research ideas and provides them with funding to pursue new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat all forms of cancer. Since 1946, Damon Runyon has invested more than $340 million in more than 3,650 exceptional scientists.

“Cutting-edge procedures and medicine, innovative scientists and compassionate caregivers were the key to my treatment,” marathon runner and cancer survivor Christy Jefremow of Fairfield said in a release.

Jefremow walked the 5K with her family and spoke on stage during the event.

“Cancer is sneaky and it is imperative that we fund cutting edge research to find cures," Jefremow said.

To learn more and to contribute to the cause, please visit raveisridewalk.com.

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