Community Corner
City of Hope and Santa Anita Partner for Charity Walk
April 17 event will raise money to fight women's cancers.
Imagine a sea of people walking down the home stretch of the track at Santa Anita Park. That’s what Allen Gutterman, the Arcadia racetrack’s vice president in charge of marketing, envisions on April 17, closing day of the current horse racing meet. At Feb. 17's California Horse Racing Board meeting at Santa Anita, Gutterman announced the first-ever “On-Track to Beat Cancer” charity event. The racetrack is partnering with the City of Hope in this effort to fight and help find a cure for women’s cancers, in particular. Actress Bo Derek, a member of the CHRB, has agreed to lead the walk. Other celebrities are also expected to take part. Anyone donating $10 can make the quarter-mile walk to the track's finish line. “We’re hoping to set a world record for most people ever on a racetrack, if such a record exists,” Gutterman said at the CHRB meeting. “If it doesn’t, we’ll set the standard.” In an ensuing press release, Gutterman said, “The City of Hope has asked that we encourage all participants to wear purple.” No, this is not a Lakers event. Purple is the official color for the fight against women’s cancers. Purple shirts with a special logo will be available for purchase at the event. Also, participants are encourage to bring signs and banners, create teams, take photos and dedicate the walk to cancer survivors, those who are still battling the disease or to the memory of loved ones who have succumbed. Gutterman said he believes this event can attract national television coverage. Steve Martin, the head of marketing for the City of Hope, said: “This special day marks the beginning of the City Of Hope and Santa Anita’s combined efforts in ridding cancers for all women.” For further information, go to santaanita.com or cityofhope.org.