More than $400,000 raised for women battling breast cancer at Kelly Shires Snow Run

The 17th Anniversary Kelly Shires Breast Cancer Snow Run, held February 5-7 at Hidden Valley Resort, was a great success! More than $400,000 was raised in pledges and corporate sponsorship, with more expected to come in this week.

Kelly Shires lost her long battle with breast cancer in October 2004 but her memory and spirit were kept strong during the weekend. The enthusiasm was outstanding as 101 women suited up on Saturday, February 6 to participate in this spectacular annual event. The day started off beautifully with a moment of silence in memory of those who have lost their battle with breast cancer and an enthusiastic dance to the event theme song, Man, I feel Like a Woman by Shania Twain, a song chosen by Kelly Shires to represent the event. The ladies then headed off on the trails to all meet up again at their lunch destination.

The trails were challenging as each team traveled their designated route to Kearney for lunch. Special thanks to the local snowmobile clubs for making sure the trails were groomed perfectly for the ride. The ladies arrived back at Hidden Valley Resort in the afternoon and were welcomed back with a warm cup of hot chocolate and treats donated by Hidden Valley Resort. The closing ceremonies consisted of a gala banquet dinner with emcee and breast cancer survivor, Beverly Thomson, awards, and auctions.

It is such an honour to be riding to help breast cancer patients fight this disease. I am always amazed at the enthusiasm these ladies bring with them this weekend.
Suzy Stenoff, co-founder, Kelly Shires Breast Cancer Snow Run

The organizing team is already planning for the 18th annual event taking place at Hidden Valley Resort on February 4-6, 2017. Special mention to our award winners Stephanie Green( Kelly Shires Award), Taera McLean (Kim “Sparks” Fish Award) and Blair Munn (Betty Black Award for highest pledges). Congratulations to our raffle draw winners Dominic Fragomeni from Sudbury who won the first place prize of a 2016 Ski-Doo donated by BRP Inc. and Factory Recreation in Midland, Mike Hutton from Staffa who won the 2nd prize of a $500 gift certificate at Royal Distributing, and Mike Satfil who won the 3rd prize, a stay for two at Hidden Valley Resort.

Extra special thanks and appreciation to this year’s participants, volunteers, media partners and sponsors for their part in making this year so successful. Special thanks to our Platinum level sponsors – BRP/Ski-Doo, Choko Designs, Factory Recreation in Midland, FXR Racing, Royal Distributing and the Toronto International Snowmobile ATV & Powersport Show for their continuous support. Thank you to the team at Hidden Valley Resort for all the extra special touches and for making us feel at home. They also raised $5000 for the Kelly Shires Breast Cancer Foundation at their Dirty Divas weekend with the Trews in October.

Together we ARE making a difference! Our Quebec Chapter hosts its 11th anniversary event February 20, 2016 www.randonneedesneiges.org. And don’t miss our newest fundraising event on ATVs – the 7th annual event takes place in Parry Sound April 29-30 www.trax4bc.com.

Funds raised at the Kelly Shires Breast Cancer Snow Run are distributed to women battling breast cancer. Patients must complete an application, along with medical and financial information. Once an application for assistance is received, a committee reviews the application and renders their decision. Funds are disbursed as soon as the application is approved, usually within 7-14 days. For more information on the event or to apply to the trust, visit www.breastcancersnowrun.org.