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For Immediate Release
BC Lung Association’s Newest Amazing-Race Style Fundraiser Makes Giving Back a RUSH!
Vancouver, BC – June 5, 2010 – Hundreds battled it out for the title and a trip for two around the world today at the BC Lung Association newest fundraiser: The RUSH: Race & Urban Scavenger Hunt, but only one two-person team claimed top prize – North Vancouver’s Steve Dutchak and teammate Tyler Janzen.
An Amazing Race-style event, childhood friends Dutchak and Janzen were two of more than 400 ‘rushers’ who tested their cunning over the course of the six hour event, completing 10 required Checkpoint Challenges and making it to finish line in two hours and 40 minutes flat.
“What a riot, you should have seen all of us running around town with our road maps; consulting our portable GPS and iphones to get from one Checkpoint to another, “said Janzen.
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2010 Winners Left: Steve Dutchak Right: Tyler Janzen
Photograph by Nigel Horsley |
To win participants had to complete four mandatory and six ‘elective’ Challenges and were only allowed to travel between Checkpoints by foot and public transit. Each participant was given a free transit pass as part of their participation kit.
“We did it all – took the bus, the Sky Train – but mostly ran. I’ve never run so fast as far in my life,” said Steve Dutchak, a bartender at one of Ambleside’s newest hangouts, Beachside Forno “I’m a bit afraid if I sit down I’ll never get up, but I can’t wait until I tell my buddies at work that we won– I’ve never won anything before!”
To take part each team had to raise a minimum of $200 to help fight lung disease. Thanks to friends and coworkers Dutchak and Tyler have raised well over $500 and hope to raise even more. Post-event fundraising continues until July 9th, 2010.
When asked what challenges stood out, Dutchak said, “One of the funniest things was building a model bridge out of bubblegum and Popsicle sticks, hardest was identifying the source of famous movie quotes. But the toughest part was sorting out the fastest route from one checkpoint to another.”
Other zany challenges from the RUSH 2010 Checkpoint Challenge menu included:
- ‘Entrapment’ where teams had to make their way through a laser-like maze of string carrying an oversized cigarette without making contact;
- ‘Next Top Project Runway’ where teams had to strap on soaking wet clothes, strut the runway and strike a pose for a volunteer army of photographers; and
- ‘You and What Army?’ where teams had to make their way through a gruelling boot camp type activity – which included a physical obstacle course and finished with a race to peel a potato
“This is the event’s first year and it was an absolute blast from start to finish – we all had fun - participants, staff and volunteers,” says BC Lung Association Events Coordinator Marissa McFadyen. “And while only one team walked away with a trip around the world, no one goes home a loser. Every single person here today participated is helping make the world a healthier place.”
So far the event has raised more than $85,000 to help fight lung disease, but with post-event fundraising continuing until July 9, organizers hope to surpass the $100,000 mark.
All event proceeds support vital lung health research, education and advocacy.
Learn more about the BC Lung Association’s The RUSH: Race and Urban Scavenger Hunt at www.rushvancouver.com or call the BC Lung Association office at 604.731.LUNG (5864) or toll free 1.800.665.5864.
About the BC Lung Association
A non-profit, non-governmental organization, the BC Lung Association is dedicated to improving lung health and promoting clean air initiatives across the province. Through public awareness campaigns, the BC Lung Association acts as an educational resource for the general public as well as those living with respiratory conditions. The BC Lung Association also specializes in patient support programs, community services and advanced medical research.