A Big BvB Thank You!
Corinne, Team Blondes
I am a board certified music therapist and work at a skilled nursing facility in San Francisco that specializes in Alzheimer’s and dementia care. Working every day with people who have the disease, I see the effects it has not only on them but on their family members and caregivers as well.
I got involved with Blondes vs. Brunettes through my work. I’m the captain for my building’s team for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, and a small note was included on an email asking for volunteers to help start this new fundraising event. I quickly jumped on the opportunity as I thought it would bring me to a group of people who want to stay physically active and who all care deeply about a cause that is near and dear to my heart. I was not disappointed.
The city of San Francisco represents many different things for many different people. One aspect that I connect with is its community engagement. The city is filled with people volunteering for all sorts of causes and wanting to make a difference in the world any way they can. As the committee chair for this event, I get to experience first-hand the power that comes from working with people focused on a common goal””eradicating Alzheimer’s disease.
It has brought me in contact with others who are compassionate, caring, creative, athletic, and driven. We have been through birthdays, engagements, funerals, injuries, and major surgeries together. Have we bonded? You bet we have!
Our goal this year has been to raise $40,000″”no small amount considering this is the first time this event is taking place in Northern California. Through connections of the volunteers we have been able to make amazing progress in getting the word out regarding this disease and why we are working so hard to beat it. It has been so exciting watching our progress over the course of the season. (I can’t seem to stop refreshing our fundraising page checking to see if the numbers have increased!). We’ve been interviewed for news spots as well as a public information show for a major cable provider. I have had over 1,500 emails from the planning committee, supporters, and those with questions about what it is we are doing. I know many of the other members have seen the same interest from those reaching out to them.
As our big game approaches I want to say thank you to everybody who has participated: all the sponsors, the news crews, the coaches, the BvB family, and the family and friends that have put up with us as our stress levels have increased over the last few months.
We could not have accomplished all that we have without the support and dedication of each one of you. Is it fun for us? Absolutely! But it is also crucial for those whose lives we are trying to better.
Thank you all,
Corinne Knudtzon
BvB SF Committee Chair
