Minnesota Entrepreneur Hoping For Higher Heights
by Susan Penne

      Paul Biener, a Minnesota entrepreneur pulls out all the stops looking for supporters for his bid to walk in the 2010 3day for the cure event. The Susan G. Komen foundation raises money for breast cancer research and is the host of this, and many other events. The 3day for the cure is an annual 60 mile walk that is held in many cities across the nation.


Paul Biener, of Travel Ventures Group and Run With Kings dot com, is going about fund raising in a big way. Paul plans to participate in the 2010 Susan G. Komen 3 Day for the cure event and does not appear to be worried about not making his $75,000.00 personal goal. The Susan G. Komen foundation hosts the 3day event to raise money for breast cancer research. The event is a walking tour covering 60 miles, over three days time, and so much more. On the surface,it is a victory for those who complete the walk, it is a loving support venue for those currently battling breast cancer, a celebration for survivors and a solemn remembrance of loved ones past.

Paul has recently launched a website, myscreamingfeet.com , to help him reach his goal, and pledged to wear high heels for the event. How high, he says, is up to his supporters. "If they really want to see me squirm they can dig deep and help out"

Paul intends to wear heels at least one inch high for every $15,000.00 in total donations raised as a result of his efforts. As of yet it is unclear if he intends to wear mens or womens footwear, however he admits that it might be difficult finding mens shoes with 5 inch heels. Paul says "The type of shoes doesn't concern me because, whatever they turn out to be, any pain I have to deal with will pale in comparison to the struggles cancer patients endure day in and day out."

"I want to make sure people know how necessary it is to support breast cancer research, and how valuable the Susan G. Komen foundation has been in this effort. Given the current economic situation, it is likely support for medical research of all types will decline and we cannot allow this to happen." Paul is hoping to endure the whole event wearing heels, but expects he may be unable to walk the entire course without resorting to a more suitable alternative. He then chuckled and said, "Who knows, maybe the heels will grind into flats and become easier to wear. Well I can dream can't I?"

Though the website myscreamingfeet.com is still under construction, and Paul had not officially started raising funds at the time of this article, there are still links to valuable resources on the site. "My best hope is to raise awareness and foster support for all of the annual 3day for the cure events, and if I am able to meet my goal so much the better. I'll be working on the site, adding resources and links as time goes on, so I invite browsers to bookmark it and check it often."

When questioned on what gave him the idea, Paul spoke about another valuable awareness event called 'Walk a mile in her shoes' where participants walk to raise awareness of the domestic abuse and sexual violence problems of today. "I figured, wouldn't it be something to do the same on the 3day". Paul also says he has extended a challenge for others to walk with him and offers to provide free hosting, site promotion assistance and a web link from myscreamingfeet.com , to other participants fund raising sites. He has extended an invitation for people to join him on 'dry run walks', walking laps around the Mall of America and invites volunteers to help with the 3day event. "Even if they cannot walk, they can support the event in other ways by being volunteer support staff ." says Paul.

Through my time with Paul I found him to be an amusing and passionate individual. Some might call him crazy or weird, others may call him motivated, creative, passionate and resourceful but Paul said it best when he remarked about what people may think of his idea. Paul said, "Its going to take bold action, now more than ever, to find a cure for this disease so I had to do something! As far as I'm concerned, no excuses or explanations are necessary so I usually don't offer any. I know people are going to say, or think, what they want, I'm just hoping they do it while writing a check!"


Susan Penne is a student of journalism and freelance writer. Her email address is sjpenne@wyldthyngs.com.  
This article is also available in reprintable form from New Ezine Articles

The Susan G. Komen 3day for the cure is an annual event held in many cities across the nation. Check the 3day for the cure link on http://www.myscreamingfeet.com for information about this and other events.


 

Many thanks to Susan Penne for the excellent job I think she did on this article.   I know she will be an excellent writer and wish her all the best.

Paul
pgbiener@travelventuresgroup.com