The Swim Across America fundraising got a significant boost recently when Tyler Roethke and Grant Wentworth swam across Vineyard Sound from Cape Cod to Martha’s Vineyard. Roethke and Wentworth’s effort raised in excess of $105,000, and they completed the six-mile crossing in less than two hours. “These two guys really put us within reach of our fundraising goal. They both represent the best of Nantucket taking on a tough task for fellow islanders,” said Event Co-Director Jim Pignato.
The final push to reach the annual goal is the event, Move the Rock, during the weekend of August 28-30. This event gives islanders and those who care about Nantucket anywhere in the world an opportunity to run, walk, swim, and bike on their own. The format is simple: sign up online at swimacrossamerica.org/movetherock. There are ten different events to choose from and participants can mix or match and do multiple events.
Registration is only $25, but a minimum contribution of $50 is suggested and more is welcomed and needed. You can register for single event or for multiple events, and an all-access pass is available for $100. There is a 5k walk category as well, so there’s an event for every fitness level. For those looking for a competitive challenge, there will be an Island King and Queen category which is a 1- mile swim, 30-mile bike, and half-marathon run for $100.
All participants will be given a t-shirt that salutes our intrepid nurses. “We are hoping that folks use this event to cap off the fundraising campaign while doing something healthy. Not having the annual swim has made it difficult but we see people rising to the challenge and supporting this important community cause,” said Event Co-Director Jill Roethke. “We are looking to Move the Rock to help support cancer care by running, biking, and swimming all over Nantucket (and beyond) and say good-bye to summer the last weekend in August,” said Jim Pignato.
All proceeds from the races will support cancer treatment and patient care at Nantucket Cottage Hospital and by Palliative and Supportive Care of Nantucket. Through the efforts of these organizations and the support of SAA – Nantucket, residents and visitors can receive outstanding cancer treatment and support on-island.