History Swim for Cancer was started in Greensboro by Bob Sawyer, a long-time swim coach at Grimsley High School and Greensboro Swim Association. Sawyer coached a boy by the name of John Dewey. John was an excellent swimmer, but in his freshman year of high school he was diagnosed with skin cancer. He underwent surgery and resumed swimming. In his junior year, John won the North Carolina State Championship in the 100 yd freestyle. Unfortunately, by his senior year the cancer had returned. Despite this, John continued to help his coach and the team. He was such an inspiration to others, that Don Easterling, coach at NC State University, offered him a full swim scholarship. John died in the spring of his senior year of high school. As a lasting tribute to him, Bob Sawyer started Swim for Cancer in 1973.
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Since the program began, Swim for Cancer has been a yearly tradition for the Greensboro swim community. Each year, thousands of swimmers from 23 summer swim programs across Greensboro work to raise money for the American Cancer Society’s Swim for Cancer campaign. It has become the largest fund raising swim event in the country, and the American Cancer Society’s longest running fundraiser. Over the years, Swim for Cancer events have help raise over $2.7 million.
Legacy For 26 years, the GCC Blue Dolphins have made a pledge to lead the Greensboro swim community in the Swim for Cancer campaign. Over the years, hundreds of Blue Dolphin swimmers have dedicated their time and energy to make a difference in the fight against cancer. By swimming laps at the pool or doing chores for hire, these swimmers have donated all their earnings to the American Cancer Society. To date, their efforts have helped raise over $954,000. Year Top Fundraiser
1988 ROSEMARY PLYBON $769 1989 ROSEMARY PLYBON $850 1990 ROSEMARY/CHARLIE PLYBON $1,213 1991 ROSEMARY PLYBON $1,824 1992 ROSEMARY PLYBON $2,100 1993 ROSEMARY PLYBON $2,205 1994 KIRSTEN PAUL $1,400 1995 LOUISA HASSENFELT $1,640 1996 MOLLY HASSENFELT $2,415 1997 MOLLY HASSENFELT $5,650 1998 MOLLY HASSENFELT $7,260 1999 MOLLY HASSENFELT $8,000 2000 CAPPIE PEETE $4,075 2001 CELIA GLASS $10,005 2002 CHRIS CLARK $10,000 2003 CELIA GLASS $8,000 2004 CELIA GLASS $12,500 2005 CELIA GLASS $16,605 2006 OLIVIA GLASS $3,750 2007 NICHOLAS JOHNSON $5,026 2008 NICHOLAS JOHNSON $5,155 2009 OLIVIA JOHNSON $5,101 2010 OLIVIA JOHNSON $7,000 2011 OLIVIA JOHNSON $8,179 2012 OLIVIA JOHNSON $8,295 2013 OLIVIA JOHNSON $7,760 2014 OLIVIA JOHNSON $6,491
GCC Total $12,133 $14,600 $16,900 $19,340 $21,000 $25,500 $17,484 $17,245 $16,231 $26,450 $31,064 $29,425 $24,616 $45,790 $47,411 $33,834 $47,500 $51,495 $30,671 $54,000 $53,000 $37,337 $62,333 $60,632 $60,100 $57,078 $41,518
In 2014, for the 26th consecutive year, the GCC Blue Dolphins earned the first place trophy in the Community Swim Association’s Swim for Cancer Fundraiser. By raising over $41,000, our 26-year total is over $954,000. Our goal is to be the first swim team to raise over $1,000,000 for cancer research! This year, the Swim Committee is requesting member support for a club-wide program “GCC Families Fighting Cancer.” The Club will be offering events in all areas to help raise funds for the American Cancer Society. Through member participation, this summer we hope to raise over $50,000.
Be a Part of It! Support GCC’s Blue Dolphins!
The Blue Dolphins swim team is dedicated to meeting this year’s “Million Dollar Challenge” goal and you can help!
Swim for Laps
Each year, swimmers are sponsored by members to swim laps. This year’s “Laps for Cancer” will be on Wednesday, June 17th at The Farm pool.
Fundraising Jobs
Swimmers complete projects to earn money that can be donated to the American Cancer Society. In previous years these have included: babysitting, dog sitting, hosting dinners, selling lemonade, mowing lawns and more.
Spirit Days
Spirit Days are special events hosted by local businesses. This year, three local companies have agreed to give all GCC families a 10% discount on their total purchase. In addition, these merchants will donate 10% of the purchase price to the American Cancer Society in support of GCC Families Fighting Cancer. Shop, support and help save lives. • Saturday, May 23rd & Sunday, May 24th: Omega Sports (Battleground Ave.) • Tuesday, June 2nd: Rebecca & Co. and Palm Ave. (Friendly Center) • Wednesday, June 17th: Lisa Johnson and Company and The Pink Door (Battleground Ave.)
Time for Tennis
Family Day & Pro/Member Shootout
Saturday, June 6th | Irving Park Tennis Courts $20 per family (Make checks payable to American Cancer Society) Day of Tennis Games & Fun: 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
Family Day is for all members to come watch some great junior tennis. Fun for players of all ages. Come join in games and fun on the tennis courts.
Pro/Member Shootout: 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.
Watch our GCC tennis professionals and members compete in semi-finals and finals of the Pro/Member Shootout. Four pros and four members will be paired to compete in doubles challenge. Winners will play off in a GCC Pro/Member final. Semi-finals and finals will be a one-set competition - no-ad scoring.
Enjoy a cookout in addition to the Tennis events: Adults $13 | Kids $8
Please sign up online at www.greensborocc.org or call the Tennis Pro Shop at (336) 275-8162.
GCC Families Fighting Cancer Golf Tournament
Great Game of Golf
Friday, June 19th | 12:00 p.m. Shotgun Start | Farm
Format: A four person team open to ladies and gentlemen. Members may invite guests to participate on their teams. Players may create their own team or Pros will group players together. Activities include: • Team Shamble Competition - Both Gross and Net with Applicable Handicap • Closest to Hole Contest - Prizes Awarded for Each Winner • Putting Contest - One of our Junior Golfers will be in place on a par 3 hole to play a shot for the team that will be used in the competition. Winners will receive prizes. • Hole-in-One Contest - A complimentary two-year lease for a fully loaded Cadillac Escalade from Bill Black Cadillac for the first hole-in-one on the 8th hole at the Farm! • Awards Reception Following Play - Door prizes presented before winners announced. Tickets for door prizes can be purchased at registration before play.
Fitness Fun
Dining Delights
$125 person | Entry fee includes cart, lunch, afternoon appetizers and prizes. Make reservations online at www.greensborocc.org or call the Golf Pro Shop at (336) 272-4364.
Donald Ross Terrace and Breakfast for Dinner
Friday, June 19th | 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. | Donald Ross Terrace & Irving Park Pool
Join your fellow members for an evening of food and entertainment at the Donald Ross Terrace. Kids and families can also enjoy Breakfast for Dinner poolside. This will coincide with Family Fun Night for the kids at the Irving Park pool from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. with fun and games for kids of all ages. The pool will stay open until 9:00 p.m. Pledge cards will be available for donations and gift baskets will be on display for silent auction. A la Carte Dining at the Donald Ross Terrace | Member Sign Bar | Reservations Preferred - (336) 275-8506
Family Fitness Event
Saturday, June 27th | Time & Location to be Determined
On June 27th all families are invited to come out and participate in the GCC Family Fitness Challenge. A fitness circuit will be designed to accommodate athletes of all ages. Jump, crunch, run and lift your way to fitness in the fight against cancer. Families work as teams to reach the finish. This is a great workout for all. $25 per Family Sign up online at www.greensborocc.org or call the Fitness Center at (336) 691-5825.
We look forward to your participation this summer in these Club activities. This year, GCC families have a chance to reach a significant milestone in the fight against cancer. If you have any questions contact Michelle Sharpe at asharpe5@triad.rr.com. Please join us in our Million Dollar Challenge.
We are GCC Strong!