Hall County Sheriff's Office Lt. Greg Cochran will put his muscles to work Saturday morning as he flips a large tire to raise money in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness & Education month.
Cochran, a world-record holder in similar events, will flip a 555 lb earthmover tire as many times as possible in a 20-minute window during the American Cancer Society's Flippin' for the Tatas fundraiser. More funds will be raised for breast cancer awareness, education and support upon each flip from Cochran.
The event will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the University of North Georgia's Gainesville Campus off Mundy Mill Road in Oakwood. A trunk or treat runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., while the tire flip will be held at 11 a.m. All activities will be held in the parking lot next to UNG's Performing Arts Center.
Local businesses have pledged over $10,000, with each entity pledging to give a certain dollar amount per flip. Based on Cochran's previous experience with the Flippin' for the Tatas event, that adds up to more than $125 per flip so far. Other businesses or individuals who wish to make a pledge can contact Rena Pendley with the American Cancer Society at 770-988-5544 or by email at [email protected]. Donations will also be taken the day of the event. Businesses can also set up a trunk for the Trunk or Treat with a $25 donation.
Cochran said he started training for the event about two and a half months prior to the event.
"It's near and dear to me this year," Cochran said. "I had a family member that battled breast cancer this year. And you know, you talk to the survivors, you see the survivors, and that's enough motivation on its own. But then I've got people picking at me about getting old, and about how much money I could make if I was younger ... so I've definitely been turning it on a little bit. Maybe there's going to be people eating their words before long."
Cochran said he did his first fundraiser in 2010 for Julie Bryan, a Gainesville woman who had been struck by a vehicle while traveling in Italy. He said his life changed after that first fundraiser.
"I've always felt if we have the ability to help our community, then we have the obligation to do so," Cochran said. "I wish that we never had to do these types of events, but I also wish for a good turnout because we need them. People have to step up."
