(DiverWire) For the third year in a row, Eugene Skin Divers Supply is presenting its Dive for a Cure event. This year, the fund-raiser will be Sept. 25 at Woahink Lake in Florence, Oregon. Scuba divers nationwide are encouraged to participate.
In 2008, Eugene Skin Divers Supply organized and co-sponsored the first annual Dive for a Cure at the Woahink Lake Day Use Area (Gazebo) in Florence, OR and raised almost $20,000. In 2009 $30,000 was raised and the goal for 2010? To surpass that if possible.
“We all know someone who has been affected by Breast Cancer; our family members, our friends or possibly ourselves. One in eight women and one in one thousand men will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Of those, 23% will die from breast cancer (www.cancer.org). This is why we’re doing what we’re doing,” said Diana Hollingshead the main organizer of the event.
All proceeds from money raised from Dive for a Cure are donated to the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute for breast cancer research and education. Oregon Health Sciences University is a tax-deductible non-profit IRS 501(C) (3) organization. You can help personally by participation or a generous pledge to Dive for a Cure.
Hollingshead explains, “The main diving event is an underwater poker run in which the best hand wins. Divers are handed a card when they enter the water, navigate to three stations underwater to get a card and get another card when they get out. They have one chance to lay down cards and draw new ones. Prizes are awarded to the best hand and the runner-up. This year USIA is donating a Techniflex drysuit for the best poker hand, and Aqua Lung is donating a complete gear package to the person who raises the most money. Everyone who participates gets a goodie bag with an event T-shirt and other assorted items.”
Non-divers are also invited to participate. There is plenty of topside fun to occupy everyone. The Octo Toss, for example, will test your aim and the fin race, which is highly competitive, tests your speed and coordination. There are children’s games and other water activities as well, and a barbecue catered by Burgers on the Run and one of the keynote speakers will be Dr. Zena Monji.
If you haven’t made any plans yet, think about taking part in Dive for a Cure. It’s a fun way to spend time in the water, spend time with your family and raise awareness of breast cancer.
Anyone can sign up to participate at any time, including the day of, although advanced registration is encouraged. For more information, to register or to make a donation, go to www.diveforacure.org or www.eugeneskindivers.com.
