Susan G. Komen for the Cure NC Triangle Affiliate just completed our largest, most successful Race for the Cure to date. We simply could not have done it without the vital volunteer work provided by the amazing volunteer group, Strong Women Organizing Outrageous Projects (SWOOP; www.SWOOP4u.org) who donated more than 850 hours of heavy-lifting volunteer labor to support the Komen NC Triangle Race for the Cure.

For the ninth year in a row, SWOOP volunteers did everything from hauling tables and chairs the day before the race to handling all of the recycling and trash pick-up after the crowds have left. Their contribution is so vital and their number of volunteer hours is so high that they became an official Gold sponsor of the 2008 NC Triangle Race for the Cure!

One Saturday a month, nine months out of the year, the women of SWOOP descend on a home, agency or neighborhood to tackle a seemingly insurmountable challenge. SWOOPers generate powerful and joyous energy every time they gather, and they have accomplished more than 100 incredible projects including these: they built 100 feet of fence so a child with autism could play safely outside; they painted the interior of eight apartment units to help an agency provide affordable housing to individuals with disabilities; they built two wheelchair ramps and a new set of stairs so elderly homeowners could get in and out of their homes.

SWOOP truly is “great hearts working together to serve the community and inspire hope.” To find out more about SWOOP and to learn how you can help, please visit www.SWOOP4u.org or call 919-828-9803.