Every golf season, local women's golf groups play for an incredibly worthy cause, called Fairway to Life, which benefits the Breast Care Center at the University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center.
As a participant in the program and a co-chair of a local tournament a few years ago, I had the opportunity to meet and work with Marie Bowers, an extraordinary volunteer and resident in the Padonia Road area. Marie has been involved with Fairway To Life since 1999, a year after its inception and I know firsthand that she is an integral part of its annual success. Initially, Marie became involved with Fairway To Life because her close friend, Judy Herman needed help organizing a tournament in honor of her mother, a breast cancer survivor.
Said Marie, "What began as a favor to help a friend for a worthy cause became a passion that continues to this day. For 10 years, as chairman, it became my primary focus — doing my part to fight breast cancer by raising needed funds for research, awareness and patient care."
Prior to this, Marie spent eleven years at Noxell Corp. from 1974 to 1985 and was the first woman manager. As marketing director for Cover Girl cosmetics, she was responsible for managing more than $100,000,000 in sales, with an advertising budget in excess of $20 million. The Fairway To Life Breast Care Center at the University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center has benefitted from Marie's exceptional dedication and professionalism. To date, the tournament has raised more than $1 million all of which stays here in our local community. In 2008, the Greenebaum Cancer Center became one of only 68 National Cancer Institutes in the country and one of only two with that designation in Maryland. For more information, go to fairwaytolife.org
Padonia Park will again host the Make-A-Wish Foundation Triathalon for kids. I caught up with Dean Stocksdale, the father of the top local fundraiser, Will Stocksdale. For four years, starting at 7, Will has participated in the triathalon and has raised over $10,000. In order to reach his fundraising goals, Will and his father set up a website for donations as well as email blasts, door-to-door solicitations and a lemonade stand. Last year, they even enlisted help from the Chick-fil-A mascot! The average cost of a child's wish is approximately $7,000 and Will is determined to reach his goal of $4,000 this year.
As a member of a local swim team, Will is well-prepared for the race, which includes swimming in a heated pool as well as biking and running around Padonia Park. Last year, the Association of Fundraising Professionals presented Will with an award to honor his fundraising efforts. Children age 5 to 14 are encouraged to join Will and other local participants at 9 a.m. on Sunday, May 18 at Padonia Park, with a picnic and awards ceremony to follow.
In the spirit of giving back to the community, About Faces in Timonium gave customers sample free services including mini-massages, facials, polish changes and hair treatments on May 13.