As more walkers continue to sign up for the Valley Girls and Guys team, the group’s fundraising efforts ramp up, as well.
On Tuesday representatives from Sherwin-Williams paint company gave a check for $1,646 to Valley Girls and Guys. This was part of a partnership with Brad and J. Johnson, owners of Johnson’s Home and Garden in Four Corners, which was the site of the check presentation.
Sherwin-Williams manufactures the Do It Best Quality Paints products and the Pratt & Lambert brands, explained Jeff Junge, an account manager for Sherwin-Williams.
“We have been a partner with the Do It Best co-op for 67 years,” Junge said. “We have been associated with Johnson’s Home and Garden for many years but we have been strengthening our relationship even more over the last few years.”
Junge said Sherwin-Williams said this partnership was a win-win for all involved.
“With the ‘Paint for a Cure,’ we were looking for a way to help the community while at the same time promoting the Pratt & Lambert and Do it Best Quality Paint brands at Johnson’s Home and Garden,” Junge said. “Many of us have in one way or another been affected by breast cancer. I lost my aunt due to complications from the disease. Sherwin-Williams is a strong supporter of the national Susan G. Komen Foundation and this opportunity was a great way to show local support.”
Thus far Valley Girls and Guys has more than 120 walkers signed up to participate in the Susan G. Komen Foundation’s 3 Day Walk for the Cure in September. In addition, it has raised $50,000 through a variety of fundraisers, including this one. Last year the team raised close to $150,000.
Brad and J. Johnson teamed up with Pratt & Lambert and Sherwin-Williams, to do the ‘Paint for the Cure’ drive at the hardware store, explained Brenda Pitzen, a member of the Valley Girls and Guys.
From October to the end of December both companies donated a dollar for every gallon of paint that was sold.
Each member of the team must raise $2,300 in order to participate in the walk.
The team has set a goal of raising $300,000 this year.
Tina McDonough started the team in 2007 when she walked with three others in honor of a friend who passed away later that year after a battle with breast cancer.
The team has grown from its original four members in 2007 to well over 100 this year. Last year there were 86 members on the team.
The team has many more fundraisers planned, including two large ones in March and July.
More information can be found on Facebook by searching for Valley Girls & Guys or on the 3 Day website, www.the3day.org and searching for McDonough or by contacting her directly at 206-793-3175 or email at tinamcd@windermere.com.
