Rockin' for a Reason scheduled for Oct. 4

Survivors and supporters of the cause will rock in rocking chairs at Ballan Furniture in International Falls to raise pledges and spread awareness of the fight against breast cancer. The event is a visualization of “women rocking for the fight against breast cancer,” said organizer Suzie Best.

Each team or individual will take turns rocking for an hour at a time in front of the windows of the store, spreading awareness to those walking or driving by. All proceeds and pledges will stay local — they will go to Rainy Lake Medical Center for breast cancer services.

The event is open to the public and organizers hope to also spread awareness about how to deal with breast cancer, Best said.

“We’ve had survivors come tell their stories,” Best said. “I’ve gotten so choked up — something emotional happens every year.”

Patti Ballan, owner of Ballan Furniture, said the event brings together friends and families of those touched by breast cancer.

“We all know someone who’s gone through it or is going through it,” Ballan said.

She hopes to have more men involved in the event this year, she said.

“There are men that get breast cancer, too,” Ballan said. “And when someone in their family has breast cancer, they are facing the emotion of it, too.”

Ballan said she got involved with the event after a family member was diagnosed with breast cancer. It’s a cause she strongly believes in, she said.

“We raise a fair amount of money in one event, and I’m pretty proud of our community for being so supportive,” she said. “People are very willing to support it because it’s a local cause.”

Raising funds is only part of the event. A large part is educating the community with brochures about self-exams, routine doctor visits and mammograms, preventative care, and what kind of help is available when you or someone you know has been diagnosed.

Organizers said the atmosphere during the event results in a tight-knit group of people coming together for the cause.

“It’s just amazing when the team’s turn is over every hour, they don’t want to leave, and the new team can’t wait to get into their chairs,” Best said. “It’s so heart-touching — there they are, surviving and rocking.”

Rockin’ for a Reason will also take place in Duluth, Brainerd and Eau Claire. 

Local businesses have donated merchandise and refreshments for the event. New this year in the Falls is a wine and cheese tasting. Best has also rounded up prizes for a “huge raffle” and the funds collected will go to the cause.

In the past seven years, the local Rockin’ for a Reason has raised approximately $37,000, Best said.

“It is an amazing event,” she said. “We live in an amazing community and I feel blessed to be able to be a part of it all.”

Rockin’ for a Reason is created by Charter Media. More information about the event is available at www.charterwomenrock.com. Pledge forms can be downloaded online. Pledges are due by the day of the event.

To preregister as a rocker for individuals or groups, make a pledge, or volunteer, contact Best at 218-240-0062 or suzie.best@chartercom.com.