By Jen Hagan
Last month our team wrapped up our 2022 Susan G. Komen 3-Day season, and with more than 5,400 participants and over $14 million raised, what a season it was.
It felt good to be back in-person executing a full event series for the first time since 2019. Our participants, crew, volunteers and, especially, our Event 360 staff, were eager to recreate our brand of Pink Bubble magic after a hiatus. I wouldn’t say the year didn’t have its challenges, and there was still some rust to shake off, but all in all, we couldn’t have asked for more.
We kicked off in Boston and ended in San Diego, while hitting Chicago and Dallas/Fort Worth in between. This was our second year returning to Boston and it did not disappoint. We walked by many of the historical landmarks, lush parks, and several institutions that benefit from Susan G. Komen research funds. Day 1 was marred by the rolling in of some unexpected thunderstorms, but our amazing staff quickly manned the phones, drove, coordinated vehicles, and got to the participants just in time. But this one hiccup didn’t damper our spirits, as the rest of the weekend went off without a major hitch. Chicago marked a return after being absent for a decade! Lakefront Trail, the Magnificent Mile, and Wrigley Field were fantastic highlights. And, of course, a windy city tour wouldn’t be complete without the Frank Lloyd Wright architecture in suburban Oak Park, and an emotional Closing Ceremony at Soldier Field.
After a 5-week break, the team arrived in Dallas/Fort Worth! We were excited to return to Fort Worth this year for the first time since 2006. Like our first event, Day 1’s forecast included thunderstorms, but with the learnings from Boston, our team got ahead of the situation and created a plan to keep our participants safe. We woke up to blue skies on Saturday, and the rest of the weekend was beautiful. On Day 3, we enjoyed the Jordan Kahn Orchestra, dancing, and the Closing Ceremony right outside the Reunion Tower lawn to end our 60 miles. When we arrived at our final stop, San Diego, it seemed as though the team had become a well-oiled machine. Weather was amazing, and the campsite hosted all our favorite things (dining, massage chairs, mail, Amgen lounge, ice cream, and popcorn.) After the Honor Ceremony the participants were treated to a hot chocolate bar and an exclusive camp mug courtesy of presenting sponsor Bank of America. We wrapped up San Diego and the entire season at Waterfront Park with our last walker, our Closing Ceremony, and a surprise about next year! With bubbles and pink smoke, we announced our return to Denver this upcoming August!
Thank you 2022 for being kind and allowing us to be together again. We are looking forward to a little rest over the holidays but will be ready to hit the ground running in January to begin planning for 5 events in 2023!
Jen leads our Susan G. Komen 3-Day project. She oversees all aspects of the project to make sure we are executing on the strategy, budget, timeline and especially client expectations. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience in recruitment, fundraising, project management and non-profit marketing. Doing good in the world is her passion. In her free time you can find her volunteering for her favorite local charities.
