Scouts Running for Breast Cancer Awareness
Fort Washington, Maryland: The Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts in the Association of African Methodist Episcopal Scouts (AAMES) planned and executed a successful 1st Annual 5K In-Person/Virtual Run-Walk Race on October 8 – 10, 2022. Troops and units in African Methodist Episcopal Churches in Maryland, DC, Virginia and Illinois embarked upon their first campaign to generate $25,000 to fight against Breast Cancer. Scouts chose Indigenous Peoples Weekend, to focus attention on Breast Cancer, their charitable cause, impacting females and males in Black and brown families in their local communities. Races took place at the Fort Washington National Park (Maryland), Fox Valley Park District (Aurora, IL), Lisle Park District (Lisle, IL), and Bolingbrook – Hidden Lakes Trout Farm (Bolingbrook, IL). The crisp fall chill in the air did not deter scouts from taking the 3.1 mile run/walk.
Howard University’s Renee Nash, Director of News and Public Affairs for 96.3 WHUR Radio, served as Honorary Chairperson of AAMES’ 5K Race. She assisted in the promotion of the event along with a team of Race volunteers, led by Race Director, Lieutenant Colonel Reginald Thomas. Robert and Janie Reeder, EEO Contractor, Janver Inc., one of our top donors said: “This 5K Race campaign was one of the most well organized events in which they had participated”.
The scouts selected the Edith P. Wright (EPW) Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. as the worthy recipient of their charitable donation raised during our 5K Race. The EPW Breast Cancer Foundation is a Maryland based 501(c)(3) organization founded by the children of the late Mrs. Edith P. Wright, who courageously fought and succumbed to breast cancer at the age of 39. Officially incorporated in 2007, the Foundation has over 20 years of operation and annually serves over 400 members of the DMV community.
The four children of Mrs. Edith P. Wright began the Foundation with a firm commitment of keeping their Mother’s legacy alive and strong, while sharing her love of life! “Eydie,” as she was affectionately known, was full of life, compassionate, artistic, and had an angelic voice. The Foundation’s programs and activities have been shaped to reflect the essence of Eydie’s spirit, style and substance. The mission of the Foundation is to provide support services to families facing breast cancer. This mission is accomplished by a 3-pronged approach: Service, Education, and Celebration! EPW provides: 1) direct support services such as house cleaning and grocery service, to families treated for breast cancer; 2) education awareness to the community, through self-breast examination demonstrations, guest speakers and information dissemination; and 3) founded the EPW Annual Awards, celebrating families fighting breast cancer, survivors, caregivers, and companies supporting the fight against breast cancer.
AAMES’ Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts planned their first successful 5K In-Person/Virtual Run-Walk Race and made a substantial contribution to the Edith P. Wright Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc., during a Volunteer’s Luncheon at a local restaurant. They are looking forward to the 2nd Annual 5K In-Person/Virtual Run-Walk Race, October 7, 2023.
To learn more about AAMES and how to start a Scout Unit or the AAMES 2024 Camporee contact.
Michele Neal, Connectional Director of AME Girl Scouts Email: michele@amescouts.org; Rev. Dr. Missiouri McPhee, Connectional Director of AME Boy Scouts Email: info@amescouts.org
And to see what AAMES is up to visit our AAMES WEBSITE: amescouts.org ; or Facebook Page “AAMES Scouting Connection “
