Patrick’s Place Coordinates Fundraising for Walk Team

During a recent visit with one of her customers, Karen Ruben of Patrick’s Place Restaurant in downtown Randolph was asked if she would be willing to make a donation to Ann Mather’s walk team. Mather, of Randolph Center, explained that the team would make a 60-mile, three-day walk in Boston August 15–17 to support the Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund.

"The 3-Day" walks are scheduled in 14 cities between August and November. According to www.the3day.org "thousands of women and men come together, each raising [a minimum] $2,200." In addition to raising the donations, they extend their commitment to ending breast cancer by walking 60 miles over the course of three days.

Mather, a nurse, described a painful memory of holding the hand of one of her patients as she was asked if "others were afraid to die?" This patient lost her fight with breast cancer. So will an estimated 40,480 women and 450 men in the United States in 2008.

"It’s not just that I’m involved because of my work" explained Ann "but also because of my friends. I feel privileged to walk for them." The team, dubbed the Rack Pack USA, includes Sandy Cashaw (former walker/volunteer), Janet Miller (survivor/walker), Ann Mather (walker), Sandy Rilling (walker), Leslie Baker (walker), and Jim Mather (support volunteer).

"The effects of breast cancer and staggering statistics made our standard donation entirely unacceptable," Ruben said. "We simply had to do more."

As a result, Patrick’s Place Restaurant pledged to help Mather and her team by donating 10% of all pre-tax sales on May 16 and 17 to the Rack Pack USA. Patrick designed T-shirts supporting the team, which are available for purchase at Patrick’s Place, and profits from the shirts will be included in the overall donation amount. In addition, Mugwort and Malachite, on South Pleasant Street, will donate 5% of all sales from May 16 and Fenix Fine Foods, on Merchants Row, will donate 5% of all non taxable sales from May 17 to Rack Pack USA.

Individual donations can also be made by clicking on "Donate" at www.the3day.org and entering the last name of the team member you wish to support. For further information contact Karen Ruben at Patrick’s Place Restaurant, 2 Merchants Row in Randolph or call 728-6062.

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