On October 3rd, 2010, The Willow Creek neighborhood in Centennial, Colorado hosted its own Third Annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.

The race began three years ago when Linda Monson, a resident of Willow Creek, was going through chemotherapy and was just not up for going to downtown Denver for the big race (more than 50,000 registered for this year’s race). Linda and her friend Kim Conway decided to “…just grab some friends and walk in the neighborhood.” And that’s how it all started. Every year a few more friends joined them and now it has grown to over 400 participants! Those 400+ participants from Willow Creek and surrounding neighborhoods helped to contribute over $10,000 under the team name Willow Creek Cancer Crushers!

The day’s activities began with a touching Opening Ceremony led by Kim Conway and Linda Monson along with a presentation to all of the Cancer Survivors living in Willow Creek and the neighboring communities.

This year, the organizers, Linda Monson, Kim Conway, Mary Ann Martin, Mary Beth Doerr and Donna Rood, kept the momentum rolling by adding more fun and entertainment. There was the varsity marching band from Cherry Creek High School, face painters, a Boy Scout troop doing America’s Pledge of Allegiance, Girl Scout Troops handing out water and snacks along the course, and refreshment tables sponsored by Perry & Co Real Estate Professionals serving water, coffee, muffins and bagels which were donated by local favorite bakery My Favorite Muffin.

“It is an amazing sight to see how our community bands together to make a difference. I am touched by the bravery and courage of our local survivors and am so proud to be part of such a compassionate and energetic community,” said real estate agent Bonnie Arnold with Perry & Co., who was thrilled to participate as a sponsor of this year’s event.

Click here to see all the pictures of the 2010 Willow Creek Race for the Cure.

Since its inception in 1993, the Denver Metropolitan Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure has raised and distributed more than $25 million to greater Denver area nonprofit organizations focusing on breast cancer education, screening and treatment programs. And, nearly $10 million to fund breast cancer research through the National Komen Award and Research Grant Program. Seventy five percent of net proceeds raised in Colorado are returned to the Denver metro area in the form of grants. Click here to donate today.