Last week, I had the pleasure of watching our company rally together like never before. We came together with a common goal that transcended the fundraising effort for Relay for Life; we came together to show the community our support of long time employee Shirley Kramer.
Leading our effort was Bart Shellabarger, and his entry in the Relay for Life Woman-less Beauty Pageant. All week long we brought in clothes, shoes, and of course a wig to complete his pageant wardrobe. It was a team effort to come up with a name, finalize his outfits, and help him with talent. He had a team of many that prepared him, dressed him, and of course applied his make up and nails! The effort continued Saturday night with a showing of support as people from every department cheered him on.
The evening began with a sleepwear competition and was then followed by 
the talent competition. Bart impressed the everyone with his “moving” rendition of Man I Feel Like a Woman. The final portion of the night was evening wear during which time each contestant had to answer a question. After walking through the room in his sequined dress; Bart was asked, “What would you change about yourself?” After wishing first for cheese fries, Bart responded that he wouldn’t change a thing about himself. What he would change would be to make Mrs. Shirley Kramer well again. He explained to the crowd that she was the reason we were participating and ended his answer with, “We Love You Shirley!”
He may not have been the most graceful in his high heels but his dedication to the cause was as true and heart felt as his response. Needless to say, the crown has come to Cambridge International for 2010. The evening ended with smiles from everyone as Bart was crowned Ms. Hope for a Cure 2010!
Cambridge International has been fundraising for the upcoming walk since November 2009. We have sold “I Support Shirley” buttons and bracelets, have had bake sales, pajama days, and more.
Shirley Kramer began working for Cambridge International in 1964. She has
held various positions throughout her career; most recently as an order fulfillment specialists on our customer experience team. She is known for infectious laugh and radiant smile. She was formally diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in July 2009. Multiple Myeloma is an aggressive cancer that attacks the plasma cells in bone marrow.
Shirley joined us Saturday night at the pageant which made the evening even more special for everyone who attended. As Shirley is fighting her battle against cancer; we are rallying around her and have sponsored our Relay for Life team in honor of her and her amazing can-do spirit!
If you would like to support our fundraising efforts, please contact me at areed@cambridge-intl.com.
Tags: Bart Shellabarger, Cambridge International, fundraising, Relay for Life, Shirley Kramer, Woman-less Beauty Pageant
March 22nd, 2010 at 8:24 am
I guess the purple hair woman is Bart, very prettily dressed!!!!!