The Paradise Center raises over $1,000 for breast cancer research

The Paradise Center held its annual breast cancer walk on Oct. 21.

Suzy Brenner, executive director of the Paradise Center, said it's a small but mighty team that raised over $1,000. 

The group walked a 3-mile loop starting at The Paradise Center, then down Bay Isles Road, finishing along Gulf of Mexico Drive to lead back to where the group started.

A big group from Christ Church of Longboat Key came to support the cause. Mike Gardiner said it was a hot day, but they made it through with charming company and had fun doing it. 

Longboat Massage offered free 10-minute massages for breast cancer survivors. Everyone else could pay $1 per minute for a massage. All the proceeds went to Making Strides Against Breast Cancer with the American Cancer Society. There was also a raffle and sponsors giving out free items.

“It was a really great turnout,” said Amy Steinhauser, program manager of The Paradise Center. “Everyone came out and was excited to walk and volunteer.”