CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Amid controversy over an event name and outspoken public opinion, a Charlotte N.C. based charitable organization, Tri at the Trump was forced to cancel their annual charity race due primarily to threats of physical harm. Organizer Chuck McAllister said “We set up this race back in 2014 as a way to help children with Cancer. For the last 4 years it has been a success until this year, when we received numerous politically charged threats.
“For the safety of the athletes, the spectators, and the children involved we have had to cancel this year’s race.”
It was evident that opponents of the event were against using the Trump name, despite the fact that Trump National Golf Club is just the location of the race. Even after changing the name to “Tri for Good,” as a way to save this year’s triathlon, the organization still received threats and were forced to cancel.
“When we started this event three years ago, we did so with a single goal: raise money to assist families fighting pediatric cancer. Everyone involved in this endeavor does so on a voluntary basis and 100 percent of proceeds go directly to the designated charities. We are heartbroken we cannot support this event, however, our commitment to these charities is ongoing.”
However, the spirit and goal of the event remains. Donation pages for the charities that were to be supported have been posted and charitable giving will continue. In fact, the Triathlon event “Tri at the Trump” will resume next year on October 7, 2018.
McAllister said “Despite the backlash that has happened this year, our goals have not changed. Donations are still being accepted and we are planning to proceed with the race in 2018. The venue and the name, Tri at the Trump, will stay the same next year because our goal is to host a premier event that has the best chance of gaining support for the charities involved.
“The Trump National Golf Club in Charlotte has been an amazing partner and it is a prime location for an event of this type, so that will not change. We just ask that people put politics aside and support an event for a good cause.”
In 2018 the organizers are aiming to have twice the participation and twice the attendance after having to miss this year.
Supporters are encouraged to visit the Isabella Santos Foundation or the Tri at the Trump Website where 100 percent of the 2017 donations and 100 percent of the 2018 donations will go to that foundation.
Tri at the Trump: http://triatthetrump.com/
Isabella Santos Foundation: https://www.isabellasantosfoundation.org/
Isabella Santos Foundation Donation Page: https://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/chuck-mcallister-1/beatcancer
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Related link: http://triatthetrump.com/
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