8th Annual Tyler’s Dam That Cancer Fundraiser Announced

AUSTIN, Texas – Flatwater Foundation is excited to announce the return of their annual fundraising event, TYLER’S Dam That Cancer, taking place on Monday, June 12, 2017. Mark Garza, Founder and Executive Director of Flatwater Foundation, created the event eight years ago to raise awareness of the importance of mental health support after experiencing the impact of his father’s Stage IV cancer diagnosis. Each year, TYLER’S Dam That Cancer invites participants to travel a 21-mile course from Mansfield Dam on Lake Austin to Tom Miller Dam (Hula Hut) on stand-up paddleboards.

“The access to mental health support for individuals diagnosed with cancer, their families, and loved ones is critically important to helping those affected focus on navigating cancer, not the mental challenges of diagnosis,” said Mark Garza, Founder and Executive Director of Flatwater Foundation. “We are deeply grateful for the continued success of our annual fundraising event, TYLER’S Dam That Cancer, and are excited to welcome the community to join us for the eighth year in a row. This year’s event will be bigger than ever, and we hope to reach our fundraising goal of $600,000.”

This year, TYLER’S Dam That Cancer welcomes more sponsors than ever before, substantially impacting the event’s fundraising efforts. A few of the 2017 sponsors on board for TYLER’S Dam That Cancer include TYLER’S (presenting sponsor), official paddleboard sponsor, Tahoe SUP, Hewlett Chevrolet & Volkswagen, Texas Oncology, Rowing Dock, Mann Eye Institute, Phydeaux & Friends, Haddon + Cowan Architects, Onnit, Preacher and YETI. Thanks to the generous sponsors, 100% of funds raised by paddlers and donors go directly toward paying for these critically important programs.

“We see first-hand how a cancer diagnosis can affect patients, their families and friends, which is why Texas Oncology proudly supports The Flatwater Foundation and their mission to provide patients and their loved ones with access to mental health services,” said Dr. Jeff Yorio, a medical oncologist and hematologist at Texas Oncology—Austin Central. “I’m looking forward to joining with a great group of paddlers on June 12 for TYLER’S Dam That Cancer to support this amazing organization.”

Tyler's Dam That Cancer 2016 event. 

In addition to sponsorships, TYLER’S Dam That Cancer 2017 increased its allotted number of fundraising paddlers from 100 in the previous year to 170 members of the Austin community, all of who pledged to raise a minimum of $2,000 in donations to paddle with the group and do so through their individual and/or team fundraising pages at tylersdtc.com. Notable paddlers this year include the following:

• Brad Womack, Chad Womack, Jason Carrier – Owners, Carmack Concepts (Dogwood, Bourbon Girl, Dizzy Rooster, Chuggin’ Monkey)
• Deb O’Keefe – Host of 101X “Jason & Deb” morning show
• Notable companies that are paddling: Springbox, theChive, Alchemy Systems, ONNIT, Orangetheory Fitness, Crossfit Central, Texas Oncology, Benjamin Beau Salon, and WP Engine

“We've been anxious to be involved with Flatwater Foundation for years because we feel that their efforts focus on such a crucial, and often overlooked, aspect of cancer. Like everyone, we have been personally touched by cancer and its ripple effects. Carmack Concepts is so proud to get behind such an important cause with such specific goals: to provide mental health care for those affected by cancer.” – Jason Carrier, Owner, Carmack Concepts.

2017 Tyler’s Dam That Cancer Party

TYLER’S Dam That Cancer will host their annual celebratory happy hour to welcome the paddlers to shore on the LCRA Lawn, a tree-shaded waterfront environment alongside Tom Miller Dam and adjacent to Hula Hut. The TYLER’S Dam That Cancer party is open to the public, with a suggested donation, which can be made in advance online in support of any paddler or at the door.

What

8th Annual TYLER’S Dam That Cancer Party and Fundraising Event, with 100% of the proceeds going to Flatwater Foundation to continue their dedication to providing those diagnosed with cancer and their loved ones access to mental health therapy and family support.

When

Monday, June 12, 2017
6–8 p.m.
Paddlers to arrive to shore at approximately 5:30 p.m.

Where

LCRA Lawn, adjacent to Hula Hut

3701 Lake Austin Blvd
Austin, TX 78703

Event Details

Guests will enjoy a DJ on the Hewlett Stage with beer provided by Landshark, fruit wine sparkling cocktails provided by Mighty Swell, NadaMoo! ice cream, and cocktails. Raffle prizes will include various vacation home packages, an inflatable stand-up paddleboard, and much more. TYLER’S Dam That Cancer Party guests who donate $200 or more will be granted access to the VIP section, with complimentary drinks and food provided by Stiles Switch BBQ and Brew.

About Flatwater Foundation

FLATWATER FOUNDATION is an Austin-based, nonprofit dedicated to providing those in the community diagnosed with cancer as well as their families and loved ones access to mental health therapy and family support. The Foundation’s approach combines access to traditional and nontraditional methods of psychological counseling, while encouraging participation in exercise and outdoor activities as a means of providing balance and mental well-being. In addition to its annual fundraising stand-up paddleboarding event, TYLER’S Dam That Cancer, Flatwater Foundation produces other nontraditional events, partners with the fitness and health community, and builds relationships with the mental health community to break the stigma associated with mental health support and to ensure the awareness of the importance of mental health when coping with a diagnosis. Please visit www.flatwaterfoundation.org for additional information.