Scrapbooking Marathon to raise funds for breast cancer awareness and research

The 24-hour Survivor Crop Scrapbooking Marathon is back to raise funds for breast cancer awareness and research through Susan G. Komen for the Cure, San Diego. Attendees will be scrapbooking away from 8:00 a.m. on October 17 to 8:00 a.m. on October 18. Sponsored by North County-based Ever After Scrapbooks, this fun-filled event is held at Oceanside's Quantum Learning Network (QLN) Campus. The day begins at Ever After Scrapbooks at 8:00 a.m. and the group then transfers between 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. to QLN and scrapbooking commences at 12:00pm.

This year's event is better than ever with the addition of an online donation capability, so anyone, anywhere, anytime can conveniently contribute to support a participant. Also, the event will feature The Goldraiser, sponsored by Rock-n-Gold Creations, and the Ever After Scrapbooks' Think Pink Silent Auction which will include a "General Hospital" script signed by the cast members and several handmade home decor projects donated by scrapbooking/crafting celebrities.

This unique event, which brings together scrapbookers with a common interest in helping Susan G. Komen for the Cure in its mission to eradicate breast cancer forever, has raised more than $290,000 since its inception in 2001. This year, the Survivor Crop organizers have set a goal of raising $70,000 by adding additional fundraising opportunities, including the silent auction.

"Breast cancer affects women in their most productive years. With current statistics suggesting that one in eight women will develop breast cancer, it is more important than ever to raise awareness and do everything we can to help find the cure," said Camille Akin, founder of Ever After Scrapbooks. "We are thrilled that we can continue to support Susan G. Komen for the Cure in its efforts during Breast Cancer Awareness month. We are proud that our fun event is not only a great opportunity for people to gather and share their passion for scrapbooking, but also an impactful contribution to the fight against a disease that has touched so many lives."

As more and more people become involved in this hobby many people have started participating in crops. A crop can best be described as something of a quilting bee in which hobbyists come together to scrapbook, share tools and ideas, as well as to socialize and have fun. Crops can last from a few hours, to a full weekend, or even a full week aboard a cruise ship.

The Goldraiser is an opportunity for both Survivor Crop participants as well as the general public to come in and turn their unwanted and old jewelry into cash and a nice donation to Susan G. Komen for the Cure with a goal of $2,000 for the San Diego Affiliate. The company's appraisers will be at Ever After Scrapbooks in the morning during the event kickoff and at the event during lunch and through the afternoon.

Ever After Scrapbooks' Think Pink Silent Auction. The auction bidding begins one week prior to Survivor Crop, on October 12 at 9:30 a.m. There will be more than 50 wonderful items for bid donated, and many are crafting-related and would make great gifts for the upcoming holiday season. In addition, there are some auction items that are non-scrapbooking related that Ever After is very excited to offer, including wine tasting certificates, photography session certificates, and other services in the community.

To register for the 2009 Survivor Crop or for more information on donating to the event, please visit www.komensandiego.org or www.everafterscrapbooks.com.