The 4th Annual Swim Across America (SAA) Dallas chapter and Flower Mound Kwik Kar fundraiser to benefit the Baylor Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center in Dallas is on May 10.
Former Olympic swimmer Andrea Dickson is the co-chair of the SAA Dallas chapter. The SAA is a nonprofit organization that raises money for cancer research and treatment through open-water swims and other events.
“We all have been touched by cancer, or will be touched by cancer, so it’s important to make a decision personally in trying to make a difference in that,” Dickson said.
She says that what makes SAA so unique is that all proceeds go directly to a designated cancer research center.
“It’s nice that when we have our swimmers here in Dallas, they know where their money is going,” Dickson said. “They can go to Dallas; they can see the [cancer] center.”
Kwik Kar will donate 15-percent of all proceeds raised on that day to SAA and its local beneficiary. The community can contribute in more ways than just getting their car washed that day, too. Cash donations will be accepted and for each $100 donation made, Kwik Kar will give a $50 gift card for use toward a car detail and other services. The community can also donate on the Thursday and Friday before the event. Donators will also receive a tax deduction for this donation.
Bill Mitchell is in charge of the event, and enjoys partnering with SAA.
“I’ve done multiple fundraising events for multiple organizations in my lifetime,” Mitchell said. “This is a very special organization. What I like most about SAA– obviously the people and the cause– but [it’s] the fact that what we raise, every dollar goes to benefit you, your family, your neighbors and people in your community in North Texas.”
Kwik Kar is really making an event out of this day. There will also be live music, activities for kids, the Texas Roadhouse and more. This year Kwik Kar Flower Mound hopes to raise $10,000.
Dickson says her favorite part of the event is seeing the community come together to support the SAA’s cause.
“I think every year gets better,” Dickson said. “We live in such a large metropolitan area, and that there are businesses that are willing to be so giving and generous for such a great cause it really makes me feel proud of where I live. Just the pride that I get of being a part of a community that has businesses that are willing to do this is great.”
For more information about SAA Dallas, including their summer open water swim event, visit www.swimacrossamerica.org/dallas. For more information on the fundraiser, visit www.GoKwikKar.com.
