First Ever Chicago Sharkfest Swim to Support Efforts of Transplant Village
Chicago, Illinois (PRWEB) June 25, 2014 -- The members of Transplant Village are excited to announce the very first annual Chicago Sharkfest Swim. The event, scheduled to take place on August 9, 2014 at 9:00 AM at Ohio Street Beach, promises to be action-packed, fun-filled, and most importantly, promote a good cause.
Transplant Village, a group of organ transplant patients and families from Northwestern Medicine, is the official beneficiary of the 2014 Chicago Sharkfest Swim. The funds raised will help Transplant Village fulfill its ongoing mission to support research at Northwestern Medicine’s Comprehensive Transplant Center (CTC) which has saved over 4,000 lives.
Transplant Village, originally an idea, has evolved into a national community over time. The Village is overseen by the Northwestern Memorial Transplant Advisory Council (NMTAC) which is comprised of grateful organ donors and recipients of differing backgrounds. While every member of the NMTAC has had unique experiences, they stand united in their passionate support of the Comprehensive Transplant Center and their drive to give back to the transplant community at large. Sharkfest Swim is one of several yearly events that enable the Council to support the efforts of the CTC as well as connect members of the transplant community in a non-clinical environment.
“Every member of the NMTAC will be at the Chicago Sharkfest Swim and so will countless organ patients, donors, families, and friends,” said Dan Dickinson, Chairman of the Northwestern Memorial Transplant Advisory Council. “We’re all extremely excited about this event, not only because of the philanthropic possibilities, but also because it’s guaranteed to be a lot of fun. We encourage people of all ages to come out and participate in this wonderful cause.”
There are numerous ways people can get involved. First, adults and even children can register online to swim either individually or on teams. Second, there are several volunteer opportunities including check in facilitators, swim start and finish line crew, beach assistance, and food/beverage crew. Finally, people can make a monetary gift or sign up to be a sponsor. Those who are interested in volunteer opportunities, making a donation or sponsorship may visit transplantvillage.org/sharkfest for more information.
During the Chicago Sharkfest Swim, participants will experience a 1-mile triangular shaped course in the tepid waters of Lake Michigan. At this time, the predicted water temperature is low-to-mid 70s. Swimmers will start the course at the Ohio Street Beach and finish on the shores next to Olive Park. According to the official Sharkfest Swim site, “Swim start will be on the beach in waves of 50 swimmers each. The swim waves are self-seeded based on ability (fastest to slowest) with 2 minutes in between waves.”
About Transplant Village
Transplant Village is a welcoming community where organ recipients, family members, and donors can connect, perpetuate the cycle of giving from one person to the next, and offer support to the Northwestern Medicine Comprehensive Transplant Center and its’ lifesaving programs. To learn more, please visit: http://www.transplantvillage.org.
About Sharkfest Swim
Enviro-Sports' Sharkfest® Swim Series began with the Alcatraz Sharkfest® Swim back in 1993. After 17 years, they started expanding the series by creating the San Diego Sharkfest® Swim and are now making waves across the nation. To learn more, please visit: http://www.sharkfestswim.com.
Dan Dickinson, Transplant Village, http://www.transplantvillage.org, +1 (661) 312-9209, [email protected]
Share this article