4th Annual Standup Muskegon Event Raises $100K

MUSKEGON, Michigan – Standup for the Cure, the nationwide stand up paddling event that has raised over a million dollars to support breast cancer detection, treatment and education, announced today that its sold-out Standup Muskegon event raised over $100,000, surpassing fundraising efforts in much larger cities.

Over 750 participants gathered at Harbour Towne Beach on July 7th for the event which was presented in partnership with Spectrum Health Cancer Center. Free onsite health exams were provided by Mercy Health with 21 breast screenings and 35 melanoma screenings completed this year. The community of West Michigan has shown tremendous support for Standup Muskegon, and for the past two years this event has been sold out. All of the proceeds raised benefit Susan G. Komen Michigan.

Yoga and paddling at the Standup for the Cure 2018 Muskegon event. | Photos Courtesy: Standup for the Cure

"I was surprised to learn that my hometown hosted a national stand up paddle board event, but not at all surprised to learn that we topped fundraising amounts in much larger cities," said Justin Abdelkader, Player for the Detroit Red Wings and celebrity participant at this year's Muskegon event. “We're a competitive and compassionate group of people and I was honored to be asked to speak at the event this year. I'm proud of our city and the work everyone is doing to help others in the community find and beat breast cancer."

Standup for the Cure is a festival-style, family-friendly event that includes instructor-led demos and clinics, live music, happy hour, and lunch. There are activities for dry-foot participants and paddlers of all ages and skill levels and the event features the world’s largest fleet of stand up paddlers—the Sea of Pink—in honor of Komen and breast cancer survivors. Funds are raised through individual and team fundraising efforts and sponsorship packages.

Photo courtesy: Standup for the Cure

“It has been an honor to be a part of Standup for the Cure over the last 4 years. This team of soulful humans has made a significant impact on the lives of many as they continue to pour their heart and soul into finding a cure,” commented Kristine Mast of Muskegon Yoga Center. “I am inspired by their compassion, dedication, and boundless energy and effort, and contribution to the greater good!”

This year’s Standup Muskegon event was presented in partnership with Spectrum Health Cancer Center along with Mercy Health, Boardworks, and Tom Devoursney, LLC. Gold sponsors included Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, KL Outdoor, Meijer, and Shape Corp. Silver sponsors were Maui Jim, Arconic, Lighthouse Group, Tyler Sales Company, Century Foundry, and Quality Tool and Stamping. OnPoint Promotions and Muskegon County Airport were supporting sponsors.

Every $125 raised during this event covers the cost of a mammogram for someone in need.

For more information about the Standup for the Cure national event series, visit suftc.com and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Photos Courtesy: Standup for the Cure

About Standup for the Cure:

Standup for the Cure is a unique not-for-profit support organization that introduces the breast cancer community to the healthy, active lifestyle of standup paddle boarding while raising money and awareness for early breast cancer detection, treatment, research and education.