SALINAS VALLEY — Hundreds of riders and supporters gathered at the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds earlier this month as Key For a Cure celebrated the 10th Annual Chasing Dreams, Finding Cures Barrel Race in King City.
Organizers said the two-day event drew more than 200 riders and raised over $37,000 for childhood cancer research and assistance programs. Attendees also donated more than $700 worth of toys, which were delivered to children receiving services at Jacob’s Heart in Watsonville.
A highlight of the Nov. 1-2 weekend was the presentation of the Missy Spurr Award, given annually to someone who demonstrates “unwavering spirit, compassion and resilience.”
This year’s honoree was Nicole Buck, a mother of two who recently completed treatment for thyroid cancer. Organizers described her as a loyal participant and donor who “embodies the heart of the Key For a Cure mission.”
The barrel race capped a season of major fundraising efforts for Key For a Cure, including the fifth annual St. Jude Golf Tournament held Oct. 6 at Corral de Tierra Country Club, located off Highway 68 between Monterey and Salinas.
The tournament sold out three months ahead, attracting 124 golfers and more than 45 sponsoring businesses and donors. Organizers said the event brought in over $90,000 before expenses, making it the foundation’s most successful tournament to date.
This year’s Jannel Sweigert Warrior Award recognized two individuals for extraordinary courage: Angel Franco, who accepted on behalf of her late husband, Jake Franco, remembered as someone “who bravely battled brain cancer until his passing this summer,” and Amber Albertoni, who “continues her fight against breast cancer with remarkable strength and grace.”
Key For a Cure also honored longtime supporter Joe Stretch with its Above and Beyond Award for exceptional community leadership and service.
The C2 Financial Team — James Pemberton, Raphael Grijalva, Adam Huntress and David Grijalva — won the tournament, continuing their streak of competing every year since the event began.
Organizers thanked the many sponsors who helped make the tournament possible, calling it “a true reflection of community, compassion and shared purpose” as the foundation closed out another successful fundraising season.
