Marshfield, WI (OnFocus) Cruise for a Cause is entering its tenth year fresh off the heels of its most successful donation for cancer research yet.
Founder Dan Neve presented a $92,000 check to Marshfield Clinic Health System Foundation on Thursday to support breast and prostate cancer research and fund mobile mammography.
After both his wife and mother were diagnosed with breast cancer within a short period, Neve began Cruise for a Cause in 2010 with a goal of raising $10,000 toward breast cancer research through raffle tickets and T-shirt sales.
A 501(c)3 non-profit organization, Cruise for a Cause first donated to Susan G. Komen, the LeRoy Butler Foundation, and the Clinic before becoming a nonprofit and working exclusively with the Clinic, later adding on prostate cancer to its mission. Since then, $350,000 has been donated to the MCHS Foundation and just under half a million raised toward the cause altogether.
Neve travels 14,000 miles each year to events, lately in a 2019 Mustang Bullitt donated by Ford, which has maintained a longtime relationship with Cruise for a Cause.
“Over our first nine years, we have been able to become well-known across the country as we attend multiple national Ford and Mustang shows and events,” said Neve. “When the Ford Motor Company informs you that that are a brand and they give you their latest new cars to promote the cause with, it’s very special.”
October marks both the kick-off to Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Fall Ford Fest in Wisconsin Dells, last year drawing in participants from 13 states and even Canada despite cold rainy weather.
At that event, Cruise for a Cause showcased and raffled off 1979 Mustang Pace car remodeled with help from Brandon Schilling, John Berg, and Team Shelby Great Lakes Directors and Arts Body Shop (Sean Brennan), K&B Engines, Advanced Auto, Truck Lettering Company (Dean Ogurek), Heeg Farms, and Vintage Auto.
Cruise for a Cause also hosts autocross opportunities with Noah’s Ark which take place the first weekend in May and the last weekend in September. “The following sports car clubs have done great work while having fun in supporting our mission: Huge thanks go out to the Central Wisconsin Sports Car Club (CWSCC), Fox Valley Sports Car Club (FVSCC) and the Madison Sports Car Club,” said Neve.
Now a recognizable brand across the nation, Cruise for a Cause continues to get great support from both national and local sponsors. Neve is thankful for support from Ford, Roush Performance, BFGoodrich Tires, Pepsico, and Shelby American as well as Staab Construction, Roehl Transportation, Partners Bank, and Griffin Ford.
After a decade of fundraising, Neve will have even more time to donate to the cause after retiring in late November from his 35-year career at Staab Construction. He’s already lined up more shows to attend that will hopefully raise more dollars along with awareness of how research is “not only improving lives, but saving them.”
For more information about supporting Cruise for a Cause, visit www.cruise4acause.org.
Cruise for a Cause Donates over $80k to Breast Cancer Research
http://focusonmarshfield.com/founder-reflects-cruise-cause-2017/
Author: News Desk
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