Quick Links & Qs
2007 KB4C Tees on Sale for $8!!
Sign up as a fundraising athlete
What's the difference between signing up as a "fundraising athlete" vs. "athlete-only?"
Where do I donate in the name of a fundraiser?
Where do I learn to kiteboard?
I can't kiteboard, but I would like to be involved. What can I do?
Volunteer or Donate here!
What does my donation go toward?
> Share your cancer experience
John Wayne Cancer Foundation
is partnering with KB4C for 2008 in a huge way! In addition to event support, they are providing athletes with Team Duke packets, sunscreen, and quick-dry Asics water jersies for the 6-hour Kite Derby Endurance Race. JWCF embraces the passion and energy in the kiteboarding community and action sports in general to do something good in the world... and we like that!
About KB4C
What it is
Kiteboarding 4 Cancer is a unique on-the-water recreational fundraiser to support cancer research, awareness, and support organizations in the battle to find a cure. Kiteboarders race in a 6-hour Kite Derby endurance race along with a kiteboarding Long Jump on the mighty Columbia River to raise funds for the cause.
What you can expect to see at Kiteboarding 4 Cancer
As one of the fastest growing sports in the world, kiteboarding has a moving visual impact that draws thousands to watch in awe the soaring, colorful kites power across the sky. Add to that the jaw-dropping maneuvers that kiteboarders throw, and you have one amazing spectator event. This is the main show at Kiteboarding 4 Cancer, however there will be other activities as well, including:
Children's Healing Art Project Tent: For all participants, spectators, and kids at KB4C!
Children's Healing Art Project, CHAP, brings the healing power of art to children in crisis, and their families, through a team of working artists into Portland's children's hospitals. CHAP's painters, sculptors, dancers and writers have developed site-specific programs tailored to the needs and abilities of each facility and their patients. CHAP is bringing their studio to KB4C for all to experience the power of art. Select children's art will be auctioned off at the KB4C Live Auction.
KB4C Travel Raffle: We're giving away a $1000 Travel Voucher to anywhere in the world! Courtesy of Hazel Phillips Travel in The Dalles, Oregon.
Celilo Cancer Center Silent Auction: All proceeds from the silent auction will go to benefit this local and world-class alternative cancer treatment center here in The Dalles.
Full Sail Beer Garden & BBQ: Our local proprietor and brewery, Full Sail Ales, will have a beer garden for spectators. All proceeds will go to Oregon
KB4C After-Party at the River City Saloon: Come celebrate the wrap-up of Kiteboarding 4 Cancer at the grand finale party at the River City Saloon in downtown Hood River.
How it started
Professional kiteboarder and advocate for the sport, Tonia Farman, watched her brother, Scott, battle Leukemia for a year. Since May of 2006, Scott braved chemotherapy, radiation, and clinical study tests that no human being should ever have to endure.
Meanwhile, a fellow kiteboarder and pediatric surgeon, Garret Zallen, experienced cancer on a nearly daily basis at Doernbecher Children's Hospital in Portland, Oregon. Watching this awful disease take so much from a person, friends, and family, and recognizing that cancer is a common thread that unites our community, the two set out together to convert the feelings of helplessness into utilizing the passion, energy, and vitality in the sport we love – kiteboarding -- to do something good.
The result was Kiteboarding 4 Cancer (KB4C), a registered non-profit designed to sponsor kiteboarding fundraising events that donate proceeds to partnering cancer charities. In KB4C's first event on August 25th, 2007, kiteboarders raised pledge money for one of KB4C’s partnering cancer research organizations, then competed in an 8-hour endurance kiteboarding race on the Columbia River. Participating kiteboarders won prizes for most money raised for their organization, longest distance kiteboarded, top female and junior finisher, and best freestyle expression, because, after all — this is kiteboarding!
KB4C is In Memory of Scott Farman, as well as the many otherwise active and healthy individuals who fought cancer and are no longer with us.