Pink shirts flooded the campus at Meredith Colege. Yet a certain group of pink shirts huddled nearby the WRAL tent before the Susan G. Komen walk/run event began. I had just finished running in the Competitive 5k portion of the event and was met by Cary Heise’s, founder of Vend Raleigh, smiling face. She was accompanied by Susan Newman another leader within Vend Raleigh. Pam Nogle and Elizabeth Duford followed shortly as we began chatting about the walk. I was dripping sweat, but these ladies didn’t mind as we talked about the activities around us unfold. Large tents filled the open field. National and local sponsors handed out towels, pens, sunglasses, tote bags and more. Healthcare providers provided early detection pamphlets and resources. Survivors were treated to a breakfast and a “Wall of Hope” cheered on others. It was a scene unlike many races with a cause that personally touches so many. Check out more of my personal experience at the race on my blog, FitTriangleMom.com.
This was my third time running in the Race for the Cure, but it was my first time partnering with Vend Raleigh. It was an incredible experience teaming up with successful mompreneurs and learning about their businesses. Brought together by Vend Raleigh and bound together for making a difference, our team was a collaboration of love emphasized by the heart on our tees and our determination as mothers to help those in need.
It’s interesting that when you train and prepare for a race that it becomes an analogy for the race itself. The same could be said of organizing a team. There were bumps in the road, but we maintained our pace and raced toward the finish line. Our team shirts were both beautiful and comfortable thanks to Inked Custom Apparel. Packet pick-up was hassle-free at Green Pea Baby & Child, and t-shirt sponsors were generous allowing us to contribute $210 to Susan G. Komen. Donors and sponsors included we raised $710, and you can still donate to our team. It was a team effort all-around and everyone deserves a thank you.
A special thanks to our t-shirt sponsors- Green Pea Baby & Child, Inked Custom Apparel, Triangle Chiropractic & Rehabilitation Center, Fitness 19 Cary, North Raleigh Family Eye Care, Hedoe Paper, Mickey World Travel, and Pam Nogle, It Works!
About Rachel Withers
Rachel Withers is a stay-at-home mom of two boys ages 4 and 19 months. She has a background in marketing and journalism. She began her journalism career working as a freelance writer for The Cary News and News & Observer. She has always enjoyed exercising, but her love of fitness began while trying lose the baby weight after the birth of her youngest son. Rachel combines her love of writing and fitness in her blog, Fit Triangle Mom
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Leading Raleigh Area Business Women
A Vend Raleigh Directory Member
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