The good guys thread

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Swim Across America: Tampa Bay swims for cancer research

Tampa, Florida - "It really is about touching lives in different ways then just getting on top of an Olympic podium and receiving an Olympic gold medal."

Former three-time Olympic champion Brooke Bennett is gearing up, putting on her swimsuit again as she prepares to swim for cancer research. Brooke is joining 200 other volunteers on May 18 at Clearwater Beach to Swim Across America, the national non-profit organization dedicated to raising money for cancer research, prevention and treatment.

"Last year's initial event was terrific. We had more than 100 swimmers, we raised $100,000 for Moffitt Cancer Center Research and this year we are expecting to have more than 200 swimmers and hopefully, double that amount," said Swimmer Recruiter Craig Cordell.

You don't have to be a professional swimmer to join the race. Jim Sirignano, for example, swims for a purpose that's very close to his heart.

"My brother Paul was diagnosed with his second cancer Ocular Melanoma. After five years it metastasized to his liver and he passed away three years ago," said Jim.

Swimming in his brother's honor for the past nine years and now his sister Joann, who is undergoing chemotherapy, he says Swim Across America is a finish line away to help find the cure for a deadly disease.

"We're making a difference, because we know this money is going directly to their research and we know that without their research and care that we're not going to get closer to a cure."

For more information about Swim Across America and this Saturday's event details, visit their website at www.swimacrossamerica.org

[kuhio98]

Anderson officer rescues dog found nursing kitten

ANDERSON, SC (FOX Carolina) - An Anderson animal control officer rescued an unlikely pair after she found a dog nursing a young kitten along a creek.

An Anderson animal control officer rescued a dog on Monday, who was found nursing a kitten.

Officer Michelle Smith was dispatched to North Pointe Creek behind Home Depot in Anderson on Monday after a caller said she heard a dog barking in the area since Saturday.

To her surprise, Smith found the dog nursing a kitten at the bottom of a steep embankment along a deep ravine.

Smith rescued the small female dog and her adoptive kitten, taking them to Anderson County P.AW.S. where they have spent the past day together.

"This is one example of why I love my job," Smith said in her report.

Smith said the dog is taking care of her adopted baby, keeping the kitten clean and well fed.

Animal control hopes the dog's owner will come forward and agree to adopt the pair together.

[kuhio98]

Students cut hair to raise money for cancer research
Hair will be made into wigs

CUMBERLAND, Maine —Dozens of students, teachers and other volunteers at Greely High School in Cumberland are chopping off their hair for a good cause.
In what the school has dubbed "The Pantene Beautiful Lengths Ponytail-Cutting Event," volunteer hairdressers from around Cumberland County spent Tuesday afternoon cutting hair that will then be donated to an organization that turns it into wigs.
Those wigs will then be distributed to women who have lost hair due to cancer treatment.

"I love doing this. I've done it two times already. This is my third time," said a student Meredith Clark.

The event is sponsored by the American Cancer Society.

"I think it says that our students really care and we feel whatever little bit you can do to help, you don't need to be personally touched by cancer to make a difference," said teacher Katie Dexter.

[kuhio98]

Because Comic Relief Really Works

The Big Apple Circus's Clown Care program brings cheer to thousands of sick kids. The team does their "rounds" in 16 pediatric hospitals around the country, making nearly 250,000 visits a year.

[kuhio98]

Indianapolis waitress gets $446 tip

INDIANAPOLIS - CeCe Bruce has received a couple of large tips in her life, but nothing like the one she got Wednesday morning.

CeCe works at the Steak 'n Shake restaurant at Keystone and 54th Street.

She said, "I was having a hard time at another table, but kept smiling and going on," and that's when one of her regular customers did something that shocked her.

When CeCe picked up the credit card receipt, "at first I thought, '$46?' And I said, 'Miss Jo, that's really generous!'"

But Miss Jo had actually left her a far bigger tip.

"When I looked again, I said 'Oh my gosh Miss Jo, I'm not taking that!' And she said, 'Yes, you're taking it' and I said no and she said 'You need to take it'," CeCe said.

The bill was $5.97, the tip $446.

"I didn't think I was worth $400 but, you know, she feels I am," she laughed.

CeCe, who's going to school part-time at Martin University, said the tip couldn't have come at a better time.

"Pay bills, pay bills right on time, that's what I'm definitely going to do," CeCe said.

She wasn't the only one at the restaurant wearing an extra big smile.

Manager Lindsay Banack said, "You've seen how everyone was pepped up a bit...it just makes me feel good about humanity."

As for Miss Jo? CeCe barely got the chance to say thank you.

"She's a really sweet lady and she didn't want any gracious gratitude. She signed the receipt and walked out the door," CeCe said, adding, "Miss Jo, if you're watching, I love you and thank you very much!"

[kuhio98]

[kuhio98]

Because Earth Day Is Every Day

Coming to a local garden center near you: Some of the country's largest nurseries are using recycled butter tubs instead of brand-new black plastic planters this spring as part of a new initiative from TerraCycle, a company that creates fun new products from recycled packaging. Learn more (and find out how you can get involved) at terracycle.net.