C/COBCTC members help raise $12,000 to cure mesothelioma

A July golf outing and motorcycle rally raised over $12,000 to help find a cure for mesothelioma.

Both events were fundraisers held for the Breath of Life Foundation, whose mission is to prevent and cure mesothelioma and other asbestos related diseases by providing critical funding, monitoring, early detection and cutting-edge research at leading medical and academic institutions.

Finding a cure for mesothelioma and other asbestos related diseases will help save the lives of thousands of building trades members

Daniel Poteet, Insulators Local Business Manager, kneels by the memorial for his father Donnie, prior to the Breadth of Life Golf Outing.

In mid-July, the golf outing took place at Beechwood Golf Course in Arcanum, Ohio and was held in honor of Donnie Poteet, a former Insulator, who passed away from mesothelioma on July 20, 2016. He was the father of current Insulators Local 50 Business Manager and Breath of Life Foundation board member, Daniel Poteet. The golf outing brought in just under $4,000 in Donnie’s memory.

Besides golf, there were door prizes and number of raffles, including a 50-50 raffle, which was donated back to the Breath of Life Foundation.

While it rained before and after the event, the weather cleared out just in time for a sunny and warm outing.
For Poteet, this outing was more than just about the memory of his father; it was a way to help other families facing a tough battle with asbestos-related diseases.

“Thousands of people are taken away from us every year due to this disease,” Poteet said. “It could be somebody else’s father or mother. Maybe this can help a family spend just a little more time with their loved one.”

The 5th Annual Breath of Life Foundation Motorcycle and Classic Car Rally was held on July 29 at the IBEW Local 82 Hall in Dayton and raised over $10,000.

The event began with a noon lunch and the group ride took place at 2 p.m. in nearly perfect riding conditions.
Besides the bike ride, there was also a classic car show and 50-50 raffles and door prizes.