News Summary
Shawnee, Kansas, will host two charity events aimed at fostering community support and raising awareness for cancer. The Perkins Charity Golf Tournament will raise funds for Give Kids The World, offering memorable vacations for critically ill children. Additionally, the KC Pink Warriors will organize the Dragon Boat Festival to promote breast cancer awareness and engage the community through inclusive racing events. Both initiatives highlight the importance of community involvement and health awareness.
Shawnee, Kansas — Upcoming Charity Events Focus on Community Support and Cancer Awareness
Shawnee, Kansas, will host two notable community events over the coming months aimed at supporting vital causes and fostering community involvement. The Perkins Charity Golf Tournament is scheduled for Monday, August 4, at the Shawnee Country Club. This event is dedicated to raising funds for Give Kids The World, a nonprofit organization that provides cost-free vacations for critically ill children and their families.
Details of the Golf Tournament
The golf tournament will see participation from local golfers, sponsors, and community members. Participants will enjoy a day of golfing activities designed not only for entertainment but also to generate donations to support services that create memorable experiences for children facing serious health challenges. Donations will be collected at the Shawnee Country Club throughout the event, with all proceeds aimed at benefiting Give Kids The World.
It was initially misattributed that the Johnson County Park and Recreation District was hosting this event, but it has been clarified that it is organized by the Kansas City Pink Warriors, a local group of cancer survivors committed to community causes.
Upcoming Dragon Boat Festival at Shawnee Mission Lake
The KC Pink Warriors will also host the Dragon Boat Festival scheduled for September 28, at Shawnee Mission Lake. This festival is a free event open to the public and aims to raise awareness for breast cancer and support related initiatives. The festival will feature dragon boat races, a sport that involves teams paddling large canoe-style boats along a designated course.
Community Participation and Activities
Participants in the dragon boat event are encouraged from the local community and local businesses, with much of the activity centered around team participation. Both individual and group sign-ups will be available online. The festival emphasizes inclusivity, with no previous experience required for paddlers, as teams are formed to include all willing participants.
Understanding Dragon Boat Racing
A typical dragon boat measures approximately 40 feet in length and 4 feet in width, seating up to 20 paddlers. Paddlers sit facing forward, synchronized in their paddling efforts for competitive racing. The event features roles such as a drummer at the front to maintain rhythm and a steerer at the rear to guide the boat. Efficient paddling requires all team members to paddle simultaneously, making it a fast-paced and dynamic sport.
Community Impact and Historical Context
This will be the first dragon boat race held at Shawnee Mission Lake. Organizers expect between 20 and 30 teams to participate, with the potential to host up to 90 teams in future events. Historically, similar races have taken place on Brush Creek and have been sponsored by the Society for Friendship with China, emphasizing international community bonds.
Health and Survivorship Benefits
Repetitive arm movements involved in paddling have been shown to be beneficial for breast cancer survivors, dispelling earlier concerns that such activity could be harmful. This connection has helped promote the sport among cancer survivorship groups, particularly benefiting those who find paddle sports a gentle but effective form of exercise.
The KC Pink Warriors Group
The KC Pink Warriors was founded in 2019 and has grown to include 45 members. The group actively supports the local cancer community through volunteer work and donations. The team trains from March through October each year, participating in various festivals, including an upcoming event in the French Alps in 2026.
Member Personal Experiences
One dedicated member shared that participating in dragon boat racing has provided a meaningful and peaceful form of exercise during recovery from breast cancer. The sport not only offers physical benefits but also fosters a sense of camaraderie and community engagement.
Dual Purpose and Community Benefits
The upcoming festivals and events serve dual purposes: raising awareness about cancer survivorship and promoting the sport of dragon boat racing. Both activities contribute to strengthening community bonds while supporting important health and wellness causes.
Overall, these upcoming events highlight local efforts to support health initiatives, promote active lifestyles, and foster community support systems through engaging sporting activities and charity initiatives.
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Additional Resources
- KSNT: Perkins Charity Golf Tournament
- Johnson County Post: Shawnee Mission Lake Dragon Boat Festival
- Lake News Online: Idiots Club Hits 1M in Donations
- Discover NEPA: The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dragon Boat Racing
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