Rays of Hope: A Walk Toward the Cure of Breast Cancer
Rays of Hope 2010: New England Natural Bakers Raises $2015.00
What had started last year as merely a suggestion became a reality this year. Eric Hassay, our materials manager, and his family had just walked in Rays of Hope in support of his sister Michelle. It was around the same time that New England Natural Bakers was aggressively looking for avenues to support local causes that would have a direct impact in the community. Last year the event was held in Greenfield for the first time, after being held exclusively in Springfield Ma; in other words the event became so popular and the cause so great that there were two locations needed to handle the outpouring of support. Eric suggested that we form a team as he witnessed so many local groups and companies do in an effort to beat this disease. But it doesn't end there. In addition to raising money, which is great, we wanted to do more. John Broucek was in favor of the suggestion of our company becoming a corporate sponsor and we ended up handed out our Antioxidant Bars at one of the water break stations during the walk.
There was an obvious amount of pride and satisfaction on the employees' faces this morning, regardless who did what exactly, we all knew we were part of something bigger than ourselves. Rallying around a cause such as Rays of Hope has many benefits besides the obvious fundraising, support for victims and promoting awareness. This was an opportunity for people to come together on equal footing as citizens, rallying behind a cause that has only one solution. There were no arguments, name calling or chiding, on one level it is unfortunate that it takes an event like this to demonstrate how powerful we all can be when are united on another level there is something magical to be said walking next to your neighbor, co worker, brother and/or sister in hopes to eliminating this insidious disease.
