Chemo Noir hosts race and wine tasting fundraiser at Jacksonville Beach Pier

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Chemo Noir, a local nonprofit organization that provides financial support for cancer patients undergoing treatment, hosted a 1-mile race and wine tasting fundraiser at the Jacksonville Beach Pier on Saturday, June 16.

"It was unbelievable," said Chemo Noir founder, chairwoman, cancer survivor and Nease High School graduate Katrin Casey. "The weather held up, it was a beautiful beach run and a great wine tasting event. There was really good energy overall, and it was really positive for the Chemo Noir organization."

According to Casey, an anonymous donor submitted a match for every other donation the week prior to the race. The Chemo Noir chairwoman also noted that the fundraiser was a success for her nonprofit, and race participants ran with a purpose.

Additionally, a Chemo Noir recipient who has been undergoing cancer treatment came out to the race, and her son ran in her honor.

“Knowing that she was able to come out and watch the race was pretty huge for me,” Casey said. “To be able to help five to ten more recipients because of this race and what we're doing with Chemo Noir this year is incredible. To save one life has been a win so far. Definitely, to see all the people out there supporting what we're doing was just amazing.”

Laura Land of One Call, a presenting race sponsor, said participants understood and appreciated the Chemo Noir mission statement.

"I thought it was a successful event," Land said. "It had a really nice turnout. Everyone who was there was really excited to be there."

One Call, a healthcare network management company and workers' compensation provider, sent 100 employees to the Chemo Noir race as part of the organization's corporate charity giving program — One Call Cares.

According to Land, the attending One Call employees enjoyed the wine tasting, the raffle and the overall atmosphere. She added that One Call was honored to be a presenting sponsor for the event.

"We look at which organizations our employees are most interested in and where we feel like the culture of that charitable organization aligns with our values," said Land, who is One Call’s marketing and communications vice president. "Last year, we had a couple employees who participated in some Chemo Noir events. They fell in love with the cause of Chemo Noir because it gives specifically to the cancer patients themselves to pay their bills, we felt it was a great cause. ...We know right where the money is going so it aligns very well with our charitable program as well as our company values."

Land added that participating in the Chemo Noir race was a rewarding experience, and her organization will be working with Chemo Noir in the future.

Furthermore, the One Call Marketing and Communication Vice President explained her connection with Casey.

"I met (Katrin) first," she revealed. "It was before she had her battle with cancer and so it holds a very near and dear place to my heart because Kat is a very good colleague, and she's become a friend."

Founded in 2017, Chemo Noir raises money through wine-centric events to help cancer patients pay their way through treatment. For more information on the nonprofit, visit www.chemonoir.com.

 

The Ponte Vedra Recorder was proud to serve as sponsor of this event.