10th year a success for the Women at the Helm – Irene Prezio “Race for Hope”
Today marks the 10th anniversary of Thunder Bay’s only women-helmed spinnaker and non-spinnaker races. 21 helmswomen and their crews set sail from the Thunder Bay Yacht Club at the Marina to participate in the Women at the Helm – Irene Prezio “Race for Hope” in support of the Northern Cancer Fund.
Dawn Riley, one of the world’s best-known sailors, was in Thunder Bay to address event participants and help crew one lucky team. “I am completely impressed by the effort and skill put forth by the sailors in Thunder Bay,” says Riley. “I was proud to be part of this incredible event and applaud the organizers for their dedication to sailing and the fight against cancer,” she adds.
The Women at the Helm – Irene Prezio “Race for Hope” raises funds for the Northern Cancer Fund of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation. While the total funds raised today are still being tallied, it can be confirmed that last year’s total of $50,500 (net) will be exceeded. The funds support cancer research, awareness and care here in Northwestern Ontario. More than $385,000 has been raised by the event in its ten-year history.
The first place winner of the non-spinnaker sail race was Pompano, helmed by Dawn Riley, and Byrr won the spinnaker sail race, helmed by Stephanie Marler. The top pledge earning participant, Gary Prezio, collected $7,420 in pledges.
“I’m overwhelmed by the success of the ‘Race for Hope’,” says event chair Andre St. Jacques. “It takes many volunteers, sponsors and pledge supporters to pull the event together, and they should all be proud to play a part in raising these funds for cancer patients.”
The event is named in memory of the late wife of Gary Prezio of title sponsor Prezio Electric. “I am proud of the impact the ‘Race for Hope’ has, and will continue to have, on cancer care in Northwestern Ontario,” Prezio says.
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For further information, please contact:
Tracie Smith, Senior Communications Officer
Tel: 807 684 7111
Cell: 807 621 9438
Tracie.Smith@healthsciencesfoundation.ca
