The William Raveis Charitable Fund (WRCF) announces The Wailers, reggae band formed by the late Bob Marley, will perform at the fourth annual Raveis Ride + Walk, which is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 30 at Calf Pasture Beach in Norwalk.
This marks the first time the community fundraising event will include a concert in their program. The proceeds from this family-friendly event benefit the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation. The Ride + Walk includes a 5K walk, a 12-mile, 25-mile and 50-mile bike ride, and a children’s 100-yard dash. The Wailers’ special, 90-minute musical performance will begin at about 11 a.m. when riders and walkers have finished.
“We are thrilled to welcome the iconic Wailers to our fundraiser this year,” said Meghan Raveis, the managing director of the WRCF. “Every year we raise the bar with this event, and we hope more people will come out to support the Damon Runyon Cancer Foundation’s innovative scientists, whether it be to ride, walk, enjoy the fun family activities or rock out to The Wailers.”
Steered by bassist and founder Aston “Familyman” Barrett, and joined by the band’s original guitarists Junior Marvin and Donald Kinsey, The Wailers continue to make musical history. Since 1981 when Bob Marley passed away after a four-year battle with skin cancer, Familyman and Junior have carried on his mission to keep The Wailers together.
“Bob Marley wanted us to continue performing because as he said, ‘By doing that, you keep me alive through the music,’” said Familyman of The Wailers. “Cancer hit us close to home, so we’d like to think Bob would be even more touched we’re performing to raise money for innovative cancer research.”
One hundred percent of the event proceeds will go to the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation. Damon Runyon identifies the brightest early-career scientists with innovative research ideas and provides them with funding to pursue new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat all forms of cancer. In 2017, approximately 700 people participated and volunteered in the Ride + Walk, raising more than $519,000.
The Ride + Walk has raised more than $1.5 million since its inception. The money has been granted to 14 scientists who are researching eight different types of cancer. Since 1946, Damon Runyon has invested more than $340 million in more than 3,650 exceptional scientists.
Participants can register for the event at raveisridewalk.com. The website also includes fundraising tips and tools, information about the scientists, and photos and video from 2017. The minimum fundraising amount for adults is $250 for the walk, 12-mile and 25-mile rides and $400 for the 50-mile ride. Minors under 17 must be accompanied by an adult and have a $25 fundraising minimum. There is a suggested minimum donation of $25 for people who would like to participate but not ride or walk.