From Feb. 13 to Dec. 13, BMW participated in its twelfth annual nation-wide event to raise money for breast cancer research. The company allowed people across the country to test-drive their cars. While miles were being put onto the cars, dollars were being donated to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure event during the BMW Ultimate Drive.
Supporting a Cause
BMW’s overall goal this year was to raise $1 million dollars, making a grand total of $12 million.
Flow BMW of Winston-Salem participated in the event on Dec. 2 this year, and hundreds of people showed up, bringing the goal closer to possible.
Those interested arrived at the dealership, and after a few questions, were handed the keys to whichever BMW model they preferred. Participants were given a route to travel, totaling a 16 mile course. Therefore, every person that test-drove in Winston-Salem helped donate 16 dollars to research.
Lauren Marrow, 21, was a partaker at the Winston-Salem stop of the tour. She states, “I’ve always loved supporting breast cancer because it runs in my family.”
The reason so many people came to show their support is unnecessary. Whether they have personally lost someone due to breast cancer, are fighting it themselves, or just care about those who are, people showed interest in the event because, in the end, it was for a good cause.
It also didn’t hurt that they got the opportunity to drive a BMW for a few miles. Marrow says that she, “really enjoyed being able to drive around in a BMW that millions of other people have driven,” and that it “opened up [her] eyes to see so many people come together to support a cause.”
Efforts that Really Make a Difference
BMW has been participating in the “Susan G. Komen for the Cure” event since 1997, and has raised over $11 million dollars for breast cancer research, education, screening and treatment programs.
Dave Mertes, an employee at Flow BMW of Winston-Salem, was working on the day of the event. When asked if he thought all of the test-drivers for the day had intentions of buying, he replied, “Of course not. I know most were here just to support the cause.” Any other day, the dealership would be “bugged” by that, but he adds, “We make exceptions."
Families across the world have lost members due to breast cancer, and hundreds of thousands continue to be diagnosed each year. T
hose lost and still fighting are daughters, sisters, mothers, friends, teachers, students, and much more.
hose lost and still fighting are daughters, sisters, mothers, friends, teachers, students, and much more. Helping Hands
The 2008 tour included 206 stops in 41 states during a 10-month period.
Mertes says that he didn’t expect the turn-out that came with the event, but that it’s miraculous to think about. “To think that every person is there for some reason, yet for one reason amazes me,” he states elatedly, “...to think people are that selfless in today’s world gives me hope.”
After test-driving, the participants were asked to add their name to BMW’s “Signature Vehicle.” This car was designated to be used as a visible symbol of the collective commitment to win a fight for the cure.
The 2008 tour is complete, and the 2009 tour will begin early next year.
Go to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.'s website to find out more about ways to help support breast cancer research.
“Click to Give” free mammograms at The Breast Cancer Site.
1 comment:
Lizzie,
you did a great job with this project, despite the fact that your video did not work.
I like the effort you put into creating the two sidebars. I also like the organization, use of attractive images and the research you put into this project.
Overall, well done and let's hope next time, your video works, it would've made the entire project just perfect. So better luck with that next time :)
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