ShamRockin' For a Cure Combines Food, Music To Fight Cystic Fibrosis

On Saturday, March 7, ShamRockin’ for a Cure will return to the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater with hopes of raising $400,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Last year, ShamRockin’ for a Cure filled the Alpharetta-based amphitheater with close to 1,500 guests, 40 corporate sponsors including its first presenting sponsor, Georgia’s Own Credit Union, and raised more than $307,000.

With this year’s event, which is once again sponsored by Georgia’s Own Credit Union, organizers hope fundraising efforts will push the event over the $1 million dollar milestone in just seven years.

When Roswell parents Jon and Pam Baker learned that their two sons had cystic fibrosis, they enlisted the support of friends to start the Baker Boys Battalion, a fundraising team dedicated to raising dollars and awareness for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

In 2008, along with close friends and Alpharetta residents Chris and Mary Guiney, the Bakers created Shamrockin’ for a Cure, a grassroots fundraising event that brought friends together to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day to “eat, drink, and help cure cystic fibrosis.”

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic illness that primarily affects the lungs and digestive system. The foundation estimates about 30,000 children and adults in the United States have been diagnosed with the life-threatening condition.

In those with cystic fibrosis, a defective gene and its protein product cause the body to produce unusually thick, sticky mucus that can clog the lungs and lead to life-threatening lung infections and obstruct the pancreas and stops natural enzymes from helping the body break down food and absorb vital nutrients.

Today, ShamRockin’ for a Cure is a premier party with a purpose that boasts food from 25 of the best restaurants in metro Atlanta, plenty of drink vendors to keep party cups full, live music, a dance floor, an incredible silent auction and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities in the live auction.

All of which is available to party-goers for just $85 per ticket ($33 tax deductible).

Tickets may be purchased online at www.shamrockinforacure.com or by calling the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at 404.325.6973.

Photo 1: Gavin and Jake Baker of Roswell, residents for whom ‘Shamockin’ for a Cure” event is dedicated. Credit: Abbey Breaux.

Photo 2: Festive St. Patrick’s Day-themed partygoers enjoy Shamrockin’ for a Cure. Credit: Abbey Breaux