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Chicks Are Kicking Asphalt, Taking Donations

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By MEGAN HUSSEY

Tribune correspondent

Published: July 26, 2008

NEW PORT RICHEY - Last year, Chicks Kickin' Asphalt, a team led by New Port Richey resident Jeanie Almo, raised about $25,000 through its participation in the Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk.

Once again this year, Chicks Kickin' Asphalt will participate in the Tampa Bay region Breast Cancer 3-Day, which will begin Oct. 31 at Sand Key Park in Clearwater.

Yet Almo's emotional investment in this event, sponsored by the Susan G. Komen For the Cure, surpasses any financial contributions she makes through her efforts.

"I can't get through the 3-Day without having tears," she said. "I can't even talk about it without getting goose bumps."

Almo initially got involved in this event because of her desire to support a good cause.

"When I first did it, I just wanted to have a goal," she said, "something to work toward for a good cause, while getting in shape at the same time."

Over time, however, Almo's reasons for participating in the 3-Day have grown more personal.

In 2007, Almo's longtime friend Colleen Ewing - herself a 3-Day participant - died after a long battle with breast cancer. Also succumbing to the disease last year was Joe Grauso, an entertainer who, under the name That Big Bald Guy, performed at a number of cancer-awareness fundraisers.

"I walk for them this year," said Almo.

She will be walking with breast cancer survivor Chris Brooks, who after cheering on her team last year was determined to participate.

Initially planning to walk alongside her teammates in Chicks Kickin' Asphalt, Brooks injured her knee during training. Unfazed by this obstacle, she now plans to use her wheelchair in the event, with her teammates pushing her toward the finish line.

"She has her heart set on participating and was the first to get her money raised," said Almo. "I told her, 'Even if we have to push you through the 60 miles, you will be there.'"

Chicks Kickin' Asphalt also plans three fundraisers in connection with the 3-Day:

•9:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Aug. 23 at Overtime Sports Bar & Grill, 7736 State Road 52, Hudson. Wiley Fox will perform a fundraising concert. Silent auction, door prizes and games will be featured at this event, which carries a $5 cover charge per person.

•4-10 p.m. Sept. 27 at the New Port Richey Elks Lodge, 7201 Congress St. Cool Breeze and other musical groups will perform a fundraising concert. Dinner, dancing, silent auction and door prizes will be offered; tickets cost $10 per person.

•Noon to 6 p.m. Oct. 11, the "Breast Fest" Blues Festival will take place at Bourbon Street, U.S. 19/Trouble Creek Road in New Port Richey. Music by Back Alley Blues Band, Julie Black and others will be featured at this concert, which will carry a $10 cover charge per person.

All proceeds from these events will go to Susan G. Komen For The Cure.

For information or to make a donation online, contact Almo at (727) 251-0207.

Almo's goal in participating in the Breast Cancer 3-Day is always to keep on moving, to keep on pushing for a cure.

"Every time I turn around someone else I know has been diagnosed with breast cancer. It just gets closer and closer," she said. "I initially got involved in the 3-Day because it was a good cause. Now it's different.

"Now, I can't stop," she said.

CHICKS KICKIN' ASPHALT

SOME BACKGROUND: New Port Richey's Jeanie Almo leads Chicks Kickin' Asphalt, an 11-member team that raised $25,000 last year in the Tampa leg of the Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk to benefit Susan G. Komen For The Cure. The team has raised about $7,500 this year for the 2008 3-Day and aims for a goal of $30,000.

COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTIONS: According to www.the3day.org, "net proceeds from the Breast Cancer 3-Days benefit the Susan G. Komen For The Cure to fund breast cancer research and community outreach, as well as the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund, to provide an endowment for breast cancer initiatives."

A LITTLE HISTORY: This marks the fourth year that Almo has led a team in the Breast Cancer 3-Day.

WHAT'S NEXT: The 60-mile Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk will take place Oct. 31 through Nov. 2 in the Tampa Bay area, from Sand Key Park to the St. Petersburg Pier.

GET INVOLVED: To support the efforts of Chicks Kickin' Asphalt, visit http://08.the3day.org/goto/ jeaniealmo, e-mail jijakker@msn.com or call (727) 251-0207.

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