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St. Patrick's 5K Run Raises Foundation Funds
(Pictured from left: Dancehall Doctors Jeff McMahon, Denny Hemingson, Billy Mason and Dean Brown.)
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On March 12, 2005, McMahon laced on his running shoes and took to the
streets on behalf of the Tug McGraw Foundation at the First Annual Shamrock
Sprint 5K in Milwaukee, WI. Fellow Dancehall Doctors Dean Brown, Denny
Hemingson, and Billy Mason joined him for the weekend’s festivities.
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“It was fun to run it together,” said McMahon. “We
all got to know Tug through the same years, the same struggles. So it
was nice to be able to give Tug his props, raise some money for the foundation,
and let Tug know he’s still one of the boys.”
[Click
here to watch a slide show of the festivities.]
Adding to the holiday spirit was the release of the limited
edition “45YGB Seams of Luck Bracelet” celebrating Tug’s
“Ya Gotta Believe” spirit. While the standard bracelet is
white and laced with red seams like a baseball, this commemorative style
is white with green laces in recognition of St. Patrick’s Day. “I’d
had mine for a while, and we all had ‘em by race day,” said
McMahon. “But I was still surprised at how many I saw waving at
me from the crowd. They were available at the race – part of the
foundation fundraising -- but I didn’t realize I would see so many.
They were everywhere!”
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Shawna
Oleson, a brain cancer survivor and special friend of the Foundation,
traveled to Milwaukee to cheer on the guys and share her smiling
support throughout the race.
Sponsors and supporters from across the country
made contributions to the Tug McGraw Foundation in anticipation
of the run through the foundation’s website. Many even traveled
to Milwaukee to support the guys firsthand. Ultimately, the event
raised over $45,000 to benefit the foundation’s efforts
to improve quality of life for those diagnosed with brain cancer.
“It’s true,” said McMahon. “$45,000…almost
forty-six. And Tug’s baseball number was forty-five. It
kind of makes you wonder.”
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Yes, it does.
Other notable numbers from the weekend:
• The event raised over $45,000 for the Tug McGraw Foundation.
• The boys arrived at Milwaukee Airport that morning: Gate 45.
• The boys crossed the finish line together in 30 minutes 15 seconds…and what is thirty plus fifteen?
• Yep…forty-five.
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Flanked by friends and fans alike, the boys were
easy to find during the race. Each of the four runners –
McMahon, Dean Brown, Denny Hemingson, and Billy Mason –
wore a green commemorative Philadelphia Phillies “McGraw”
baseball jersey bearing Tug McGraw’s number “45”
on the back.
Following the run, the Dancehall Doctors made an
appearance in the 39th Annual Shamrock Club of Wisconsin’s
St. Patrick’s Parade before heading off to Mo’s Irish
Pub to share some laughs, sign some autographs, and take in some
of the holiday cheer. Music and laughter filled the bar, decorations
hung from the rafters, and signs of support were posted to welcome
the guys.
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In the midst of handshakes and camera flashbulbs, McMahon and the boys
were honored with a visit from a very special guest, Milwaukee’s
own Lt. Colonel Mark Mitchell. Lt. Col. Mitchell was awarded the US Army Distinguished
Service Cross for “extraordinary heroism in action” in Afghanistan,
and he is the first soldier to receive the medal since the Vietnam War.
“That was a real thrill,” McMahon said. “Lt. Col. Mitchell
led a band of sixteen soldiers in holding off an uprising of around 500
Taliban prisoners armed with machine guns, mortars, and rocket launchers
for three days. He’s a real inspiration. It’s so important
to support our military, and then to see someone like him take the time
to support the Tug McGraw Foundation and wish us well…it’s
just awesome.”
Everyone had a great time, and much appreciation goes out to the city
of Milwaukee for hosting us for the holiday. Thanks to all the race organizers
that elected to partner this year with the Tug McGraw Foundation. Thanks
also to everyone that made a donation, cheered throughout the race, or
held up signs on street corners in the sixteen-degree weather…you
all made it one terrific Saint Patrick’s Day!
(photo
by Tom Colla) |
For more information on the Tug McGraw Foundation, visit
their website at http://www.tugmcgraw.com.
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