Rockers for Knockers, The Young and the Breastless and Viking Tatas Rock were among the more clever team names at last year’s Rockin for a Reason fundraising event held at Ballan Furniture.
This year, the fundraiser hopes to bring in more teams and more money to help in the fight against breast cancer.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and for the past four years, Ballan Furniture has hosted a unique event to raise awareness for the disease that will effect thousands of men and women this year.
What makes the event so unique? Participants will raise money by spending an hour, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday in a rocking chair
“Breast cancer is a serious issue that people in the community are always dealing with,” said Patti Ballan, owner of Ballan Furniture. “This disease touches so many lives, including mine. I want to help raise awareness for women to be progressive about their health care.”
During the event, teams who have raised money, will sit in rocking chairs inside the furniture store — some even in the front window.
“People have an absolute blast sitting in the front windows at Ballan’s waving at people passing by,” said Suzie Best, the senior account executive for Charter Media — one of the event’s primary sponsors. “Many times the teams don’t want to leave after their hour is up. We’ve had people passing by run in and write us a check.”
“People don’t have to rock to take part in the event. Some people are happy just to donate,” Ballan explained.
Each team rocks for about an hour and can enjoy food, refreshments, drawings and prizes. The team that raises the most money will win a rocking chair donated by Ballan Furniture.
According to Best, the event is important because all the proceeds stay at the Rainy Lake Medical Center.
Last year, 75 participants raised $8,200. Since it started, more than $25,000 has been raised.
Anyone interested in being part of this year’s event can visit www.charterwomenrock.com or contact Best at suzie.best@chartercom.com or 218-240-0062.
