Registration open for 2012 Arms Around Bainbridge event

Each year, Arms Around Bainbridge holds a fundraiser to help those with an island connection in need of financial assistance as they face difficult medical challenges.

"We are currently providing assistance to five individuals," said Heather Burger, board member of Arms Around Bainbridge. "Although our mission is to provide assistance to anyone in financial crisis due to life-threatening illness, all of our recipients at this time are women with breast cancer."

It will be the sixth year for the island fundraiser.

The Arms Around Bainbridge fundraiser isn't a mere call for donations, it really gets the island moving.

This year's Arms Around Bainbridge fundraiser will be extensive. The day-long event will include a swim around the island (in segments), a 32-mile bicycle ride, an 8-mile walk/run, and a rowing event in Eagle Harbor.

The rowing event aims to empty the boatyard along the waterfront of rowing shells and more at 6:15 a.m. the morning of the event. All boats will return around 9 a.m.

A triple-event option is also available for those who really want to stretch their physical prowess. Participants get to enter in part of the swim, the bike ride and the run.

Registration for each event varies, and of course, proceeds go to the Arms Around Bainbridge charity. One more week remains to register.

Participants can register at www.armsaroundbainbridge.com. The website also includes maps for the swim, bike ride and run and information on those who the charity helps.

Burger said that becoming involved with Arms Around Bainbridge has been an eye-opening experience.

"I had not previously given a lot of thought to how quickly a serious illness can wipe out a lifetime of savings, and put you in financial crisis," she said. "If you have lost your health insurance due to your illness, or have become too ill to work, this happens even faster. It could happen to any of us."

Contact Bainbridge Island Review Staff Writer Richard D. Oxley at roxley@bainbridgereview.com or (206) 842-6613.

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