The Junior League of Albany brought Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure to Albany.

the problem

“In the 1970’s, no one talked about breast cancer,” said JLA member, Maryann Riviello Brennan. The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation began to change that in 1982 by launching signature fundraising race events in over 100 cities throughout the US, aiming to raise funds to eradicate breast cancer as a life threatening disease. 

In the ‘90s, The JLA was focused on women’s healthcare and was looking for a project that appealed to a wide audience. At a board retreat in Lake George, a JLA member suggested that we help bring the 5k fundraising race to Albany.

 “The decision was easy,” said Claudia Carroll.

JLA in action

JLA members travelled to New York & Texas to meet with the Komen Foundation, become an affiliate, and learn how to host a race. The JLA mirrored the Freighhofer’s 5k race course and worked with the City of Albany to secure permits, police presence/security and road closures. We purchased t-shirts, bibs, trophies, entertainment, banners, food, plaza tents, signage, and more. One JLA member became “queen of port-a-potties.” The first race was held in 1995. 

For publicity, we ran Sunday supplements in our local newspaper, the Times Union, that featured survivor stories, interviews, profiles of the Junior League and race details. We hosted an annual “Survivors’ Luncheon” at the governor’s mansion driving additional publicity and donations. Benita Zahn, local news anchor and JLA supporter, and Libby Pataki, wife of former New York State Governor, George Pataki, were honorary co-chairs of the race. 

To distribute the proceeds & sponsorships, we conducted a request for proposals for local cancer organizations and research in partnership with local oncologists and medical staff.

the results

At its peak, the Susan G Komen The Race for the Cure raised $200k/year with 5,000 race participants. 25% of the annual race proceeds went back to the Komen Foundation to support research. The other 75 % went to the local cancer RFP grantees for research, education, screening and testing. Grantees included St. Peter’s hospital, To Life!, The Wildwood Foundation, Albany Med, St. Mary’s hospital, and more. 

After six years of successful races under the Junior League’s leadership, the Albany Race for the Cure was incorporated as the Northeastern New York Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The race served an 11 county region — promoting breast cancer awareness and education, contributing to Komen’s National Research Program and granting over $1.3 million in funds to local breast cancer programs. The raced closed in 2018, running for over 20 years. 

You never know what can come from a Junior League board retreat.