Frank Davis has had a lot on his hands over the past three weeks. After putting on the Power of Pink’s Kansas run, Frank found out that the organization’s second annual Missouri run was suddenly without a chairperson. The event was scheduled for just three weeks in the future. Ilene asked Frank if he would be willing to take it on, and Frank agreed with much enthusiasm.
After three furious weeks of planning and hard work, Frank and the other Power of Pink volunteers were ready for the Missouri run on a beautiful August morning. Seventy-six bikers and 15 volunteers were on hand and ready to go.
As I arrived at the Twin Stroke Bar and Grill in Blue Springs, Missouri, the first dice roll was already underway. Participants finished up their registrations, rolled the dice and staged for the first leg of the run. Chuck Dustin provided DJ services before the lively crowd. Frank introduced me to Calvin Sanders, the owner of the bar, who gave me a warm handshake and a promise that we would have some time to talk after the run. Like everyone else, Calvin was running around putting the finishing details on the run. The familiar sound of motorcycles revving in the parking lot indicated that I had better stop talking and get on my bike.
The Power of PINK Breast Cancer Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides necessary emotional, social, physical, and financial support and guidance to men and women and their families, in large cities and small rural communities, who cannot wait for a cure. They send out care packages to newly diagnosed breast cancer patients, and have a “Guardian Angel” program that helps newly diagnosed patients through a very trying time.
Their website www.powerofpinkbcf.org states:
“One of our more frequent questions asked is, ‘What can you do for me?’ The answer is simple. What do you need? After going through a mastectomy or chemotherapy, you may find the energy and means to make it to work or take care of your children, but how are you at vacuuming? That is a service we can provide for you. We also help you understand the treatment process by providing you with all the information you need. We provide inspiration and encouragement to those who need it most. Having problems finding a daycare center between your house and the hospital? Let us search for you. We can also help provide post-mastectomy products. America is full of caring people looking for a chance to help someone. Help is out there. The first step is to call us at 877/454-PINK or email us. If you want to tell your story about what you went through, we would love to hear it. Or, just contact us any time you feel like talking, crying, or screaming. We will be here.”
Frank Davis knows something about this through personal experience. He lost his mother just over a year ago and has made it his mission to help Ilene spread the word and increase awareness.
“If you need help,” Frank said, “there is no bureaucratic B.S. Just contact us and we’ll be there to help.”
The run started at Twin Stroke and then headed to the Red Dawg in Buckner. Next stop was Ricochets in Odessa, then to Russo’s in southern Blue Springs. Interestingly, Russo’s was hosting two runs that day – The Power of Pink Dice Run and another run for autism. With 150 bikers crammed into the place, Russo’s did a great job serving everyone. The final stop was back at Twin Stroke where the awarding of door prizes, a silent auction and free massages took place.
The James Gang, a not-for-profit motorcycle organization, provided traffic control for the event. The well-planned route was kept safe by James Gang volunteers carefully blocking intersections, leap-frogging the group and pointing the way. This is only one of many such events in which they participate, such as Gabriel’s Ride and their Lost Brothers Ride. Randy Owen told me that if anybody I know needed help, to contact him through his website at www.jamesganginc.com.
Among the volunteers were The Widow’s Sons, a Masonic riding organization that was described as “the poor brother of the Shriners.” Frank is the president of Chapter 357.
I finally got a chance to have a conversation with Calvin Sanders, and I had to press him to find out that he was donating a portion of the proceeds for the event to The Power of Pink. This was the first time I had ever been to Twin Stroke, but it definitely will not be the last. In addition to having a great bar, Calvin provides a venue for and donates to many charity events as well.
The Power of Pink puts on other events throughout the year, and their website is a great resource for finding out about them. Their SuperBowl party sounds like an absolute blast! All money collected here stays in the Kansas City area. Now, however, The Power of Pink has a presence in 28 states thanks to Associated Wholesale Grocers.
Even though the organization is only a couple of years old, I expect that you will hear more about them if the quality and tenacity of their staff and volunteers is any indicator.
I am looking forward to next year’s run!
By Bruce Stimpson
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