Angel Wings Walk/Run raises $28k for cancer patients

 The 13th annual Angel Wings Network 1k Walk/5k Run drew hundreds to City Park Saturday, all in an effort to raise funds for cancer patients and their families.

 The event was a success, according to Executive Director Mable Dobbs who said the fundraiser brought in over $28,000.

 “All in all, it went really well,” she said Monday. “We started the race this year with our youngest, Cooper Keffer, who is now going on three-years-old. He is our youngest cancer survivor. And then we had our oldest volunteer, Ralph Rowley, who started the race for us last year. The weather was just beautiful, probably the best we’ve ever had.”

 Rowley, who completed 444 fleece blankets for cancer patients as of Sept. 1, rang the cow bell signifying the start of the race.

 Dobbs said Angel Wings received the most pre-registrations and early registrations ever.

 “We had somewhere, I think, around 110 or 120 pre-register and 90 or so early registrants,” she noted. “Our silent auction brought in about $2,000, which is the most we have ever made through that. All of our vendors did really well, I think, so they were happy.”

 All those who pre-registered received a raffle ticket for an opportunity to win $100 in cash provided by an anonymous donor. Margaret Fosberg of Midvale was the lucky recipient.

 “She is one of our cancer survivors and just finished up her treatment last year, so that was really neat,” Dobbs said.

 All those who signed up early received a free t-shirt compliments of the LOR Foundation. Dobbs said that although the event raised $28,000, Angel Wings typically counts all donations made through the month of October toward the final tally. The anticipated total is around $30,000 that will benefit the nonprofit’s services and programs.

 Participating in the event was Martha Eaton, owner of Dog and Cat Wellness Clinic, who donated $1,500 to the cause, as well as Smith Motors, which became a Gold Member by donating $2,500. The dealer displayed vehicles, giving the public the chance to take a look at a new pickup and car. Riders from Angel Riders, a branch of Angel Wings, brought three horses, taking them on the race route to encourage runners and walkers, and made them available for people to visit with afterward.  

 There was also the Pet Parade, which pitted dogs and their owners against each other for the most creative costumes. 

 Angel Wings’ next big fundraiser is the annual Spring Online Auction and Idaho Gives event. Last year, the auction went live the last week of April and wrapped up in early May. The Idaho Gives portion also wrapped up in early May.

 Visitangelwingsnetwork.net or call (208) 414-9464 for more information about Angel Wings.