Ron’s Run for the Roses Raises $50,000 for NPF

Oct 25, 2010 No Comments by NPF101

The first Annual Ron’s Run for the Roses was held on Saturday, May 2, 2009 in memory of Ron Foley. All proceeds went to benefit the National Pancreas Foundation.

Ron Foley died of pancreatic cancer on October 7, 2005 shortly after his retirement from The Travelers where he served for many years as a member of senior management. In addition to being a respected business leader, Ron was a constant source of strength for everyone in his extended family and, with his youthful heart, was truly the “pied piper” for all of his many friends.

Inspiration for the first event was provided by family and friends who believed they could harness generosity in Ron’s memory and keep his spirit alive while raising funds for pancreatic cancer research. The idea quickly attracted enthusiastic support from numerous Hartford, Connecticut area residents and many out of town guests. Those who attended the event proved that not all of the best Derby Day parties are in Kentucky.

Encouraged by the generous spirit of those who attended the first event and with the support of dedicated volunteers, Ron’s widow, Barbara Foley, formed the Ron Foley Pancreatic Cancer Foundation, Inc., which was granted its 501(c) status in 2010. With the energy, drive and ambition of a team of all volunteers, the 2^nd annual Ron’s Run for the Roses was moved from Barbara’s back yard to Folly Farm, a twenty-five acre equestrian site in Simsbury, Connecticut.

Coinciding with the live telecast of the Kentucky Derby, the event was held on May 1^st with approximately 200 guests in attendance. With perfect weather conditions, Folly Farm was a wonderful host site and offered a beautiful backdrop with the horses and the young equestrian riders. Governor M. Jody Rell even proclaimed May 1, 2010 as Ron Foley Day in the State of Connecticut. Barbara and her team of volunteers were proud to present a check for $50,000 to the National Pancreas Foundation which will in turn be used to achieve the goals of the Ron Foley Pancreatic Cancer Foundation.