The Wellness Warriors, Massachusetts’ only dragon boat team for cancer survivors and caregivers, christened its newly donated dragon boat in a special ceremony on Monday, May 14th 2012. The boat was purchased and donated by leading apparel manufacturer Charles River Apparel through a special fund sponsored by Barry Lipsett, president and owner. The event was held at 11:00 a.m. at the MIT Pierce Boathouse in Cambridge, Mass., where the team practices. The ceremony began with words from the team’s president, Sandra Tise followed by a toast by Barry Lipsett and a special dragon eye-dotting ritual. The boat was then purified and blessed by The Venerable Miao Wei from the Greater Boston Buddhist Cultural Canter before members of the team and attending guests boarded the boat for its maiden voyage.
Charles River Apparel is a long-time supporter of cancer research and the Wellness Warriors. The company’s “Be Pink Proud” program donates a portion of sales to breast cancer research and supports a variety of cancer organizations year-round. In addition to providing free office space and marketing support, Charles River Apparel is the official apparel sponsor of the Wellness Warriors. Lipsett also sits on the board of directors.
“We are proud to support the Wellness Warriors and we were thrilled to help celebrate their mission by donating this new dragon boat,” said Barry Lipsett, president and owner of Charles River Apparel. “This organization is a powerful inspiration to many people and we support their message of hope and the benefits of paddling for cancer recovery.”
Formed as a nonprofit in 2009, the Wellness Warriors is a paddling support team for men and women of all ages, diagnosed with various types of cancer. The team includes more than 50 members who participate in a variety of dragon boat races on the East Coast. The group is run entirely by volunteers with membership open to both cancer survivors and caregivers.
“The Wellness Warriors is extremely lucky to have Charles River Apparel take such an active interest in our organization. This boat is an amazing gift that will touch so many lives for many years to come,” said Sandra Tise, president of Wellness Warriors.
Wellness Warriors were honored last June at Mass General’s The One Hundred Benefit. This event, which celebrates the exceptional achievements and remarkable spirit of the Mass General Cancer Center community, is the center’s annual fundraiser honoring one hundred groups and individuals who have worked in meaningful and creative ways to help in the fight against cancer.
About Charles River Apparel:
Charles River Apparel is a leading manufacturer of active apparel for corporations, local businesses, high school teams and college students nationwide. The family-owned company has been nationally recognized for the quality, style and value of their apparel as well as their various philanthropic efforts including their landmark “Be Pink Proud” program that has a portion of sales donated to breast cancer research. (www.bepinkproud.com). To find a dealer or retail store near you, visit www.charlesriverapparel.com.
About Wellness Warriors:
The Wellness Warriors team provides new opportunities for cancer survivors and caregivers to heal—both physically and emotionally—by being active participants in their own recovery and part of a mutually empowering dragon boat team. The group works to raise awareness within the metropolitan Boston survivor and medical professional community of the benefits of paddling for cancer recovery, wellness and a healthy lifestyle through education, outreach and by being an inspirational presence of strong and confident cancer survivors. The Wellness Warriors are the only dragon-boat team for people affected by cancer in Massachusetts. To learn more, visit www.wellnesswarriorsboston.org.
