SAN ANTONIO (Sept. 2, 2011) – Early in the day on Saturday, Sept. 10, more than 275 people will gather, shotguns in hand, on a hillside near San Antonio’s western edge. In teams of five, they’ll take turns firing at sporting clays in the 18th annual Vulcan Materials Funshoot, a competition to benefit the Cancer Therapy & Research Center at the UT Health Science Center San Antonio.
The tradition began in 1994, after cancer had touched the lives of several Vulcan employees, who sought help through the CTRC.
“Many times I’ve been asked why Vulcan Materials Company, a producer of construction aggregates, asphalt and concrete, joined with CTRC to host the Funshoot,” said Clay Upchurch, Materials Southwest Division Director of Human Resources. “Cancer has touched so many in our community, and in Vulcan, and CTRC is always there to give hope and comfort to patients and their family members. Our community and our region need CTRC to keep up the great work for generations to come. That’s why we keep coming back, year after year.”
Among the event participants will be CTRC Director Ian M. Thompson, Jr., M.D.
“Last year at the Vulcan Fun Shoot, I was impressed by two things,” Dr. Thompson said. “First, how passionate Vulcan employees are in their support of cancer research and treatment at the CTRC. Second, how much practice I need. And since last year, I’ve practiced — once.
“I challenge all of those individuals who want to see the care for cancer improved to join me and those incredible Vulcan employees at the National Shooting Complex for a great day of sport for a wonderful cause.”
The event, organized and managed by more than 50 devoted Vulcan employee volunteers, continues with breakfast, raffle, a silent auction and prizes that include guided hunts, original art and a dinner and overnight stay in Marble Falls. Over its history, the Funshoot has raised more than $1.6 million for the CTRC.
“We can’t think of a better way to give service to our neighbors,” Upchurch said.
Dr. Thompson, Upchurch and Oscar Benavidez, district manager of operations, will be available for interviews. Benavidez and Dr. Thompson are also available for Spanish-language interviews. The best time for interviews is between noon and 1:30 p.m. The event will be at the National Shooting Complex, 5931 Roft Road, just off Culebra Road outside Loop 1604.
The Cancer Therapy & Research Center (CTRC) at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio is one of the elite academic cancer centers in the country to be named a National Cancer Institute (NCI) Designated Cancer Center, and is one of only four in Texas. A leader in developing new drugs to treat cancer, the CTRC Institute for Drug Development (IDD) conducts one of the largest oncology Phase I clinical drug programs in the world, and participates in development of cancer drugs approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. For more information, visit www.ctrc.net.
Vulcan Materials Company, a member of the S&P 500 Index, is the nation’s largest producer of construction aggregates, a major producer of asphalt mix and concrete and a leading producer of cement in Florida. For more information, visit their website at www.vulcanmaterials.com