U-Haul International supported the American Cancer Society for the 24th consecutive year through the raising of funds and participation in the Climb to Conquer Cancer to fight the deadly disease.
The Climb to Conquer Cancer took place at 7 a.m. on Feb. 25 at South Mountain Park in Phoenix. Some 3,400 participants climbed the mountain with 103 being U-Haul Team Members.
U-Haul Team Members hiking South Mountain
The 5.5-mile trail was lined with eight water stops and reception areas at the top and bottom of the mountain. At each stop, hikers were able to grab complimentary water bottles and snacks. Companies had the option to sponsor a water stop and provide a variety of giveaways.
Fred Tuffly, program manager for U-Haul Truck Development, walked to support and remember two fellow Team Members.
“Tons of folks, including ones that I know, are affected by cancer,” Tuffly said. “This event is extremely important to me. I am very proud that U-Haul upholds and donates to such a great cause.”
Since the beginning of its ACS partnership in 1993, U-Haul has participated in a match program with its Team Members. For every dollar raised, U-Haul donates the same amount.
“The American Cancer Society asks everyone to be a fundraiser because it saves more lives from cancer,” said Debbie Cook, ACS senior community manager. “The money goes to research, and 74 cents of every dollar raised goes to our mission.”
U-Haul Leads in Donations … Again
U-Haul Team Members have raised $14,439 through February, putting the total U-Haul donation to ACS at $28,878. For 11 consecutive years, U-Haul has been the top donating company involved with the Climb to Conquer Cancer.
U-Haul Team Members Fred Tuffly, Paige Brown and Armelyn Louis at the Climb to Conquer Cancer.
U-Haul captain Sam Austin has been leading Team Members up the mountain for the last 20 years.
“When I became the U-Haul team captain, my mother was diagnosed with lung cancer,” said Austin, U-Haul Director of Operations. “I had a lot of motivation to fight this disease. Then in 2007, I was diagnosed with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (or GIST). If it had not been for the ACS research prior to my diagnosis, I may not be here today.”
The Climb to Conquer Cancer raises hundreds of thousands of dollars each year. The money goes toward finding breakthroughs in countless types of cancer. ACS paves the way for early cancer screenings and prevention.
Team Members may still give to the cause and have U-Haul match their contribution through March 31 by visiting the Climb to Conquer Cancer donation page.
