All-Island Swim Meet to benefit Swim Across America

Every dollar makes a difference.

That’s the message that Mercer Island Beach Club volunteer parent swim team chair Nina Thatcher shares with people when encouraging them to join the cause in raising funds for cancer research and treatment.

Thatcher has been involved with fundraising in this realm for 20 years and is in the midst of planning the inaugural All-Island Swim Meet to benefit Swim Across America, whose Seattle branch will direct the money collected from the event and apparel sales to the Fred Hutch Cancer Center to further its groundbreaking research.

The July 18 event will kick off at 5 p.m. at the Beach Club and will feature swimmers from the Beach Club, Mercer Island Country Club and Mercerwood Shore Club. Athletes from ages 5 to 18 will compete in 20 events, and parents, coaches and Masters swimmers from the clubs are invited to participate in relays. While the event is for club members, Thatcher said that anybody can join Swim Across America and donate to the crucial cause.

As people gathered to discuss organizing a meet, Thatcher noted, “We said, ‘Let’s make this a community event around community building, but also giving back.’” Thatcher added that all three teams are raising money for Swim Across America, which will host its open water swim on Sept. 9 at Luther Burbank Park.

Thatcher said the teams are glad they can help make an impact by linking up with Swim Across America.

Scott Whelan, a Mercer Island resident and co-director of the aforementioned Swim Across America open water swim, said that the All-Island Swim Meet, “Parallels Swim Across America’s mission to fund high-risk/high-reward researchers at Fred Hutch. This financial support enables scientists and researchers to delve into high-risk, high-reward projects with immense potential for transformative breakthroughs.”

On the sponsorship side, Mercer Island-connected Orthopedic Specialists of Seattle is one of 15 businesses and organizations to become involved with the meet. Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Grant Garcia is a Beach Club parent and longtime swimmer who treats swimmers and Mercer Island High School athletes.

“It’s a way for us all to get together for a good cause, raise money and just to see all of our friends again,” said Garcia, echoing what Thatcher noted about the three club teams no longer competing in the same division of the summer Midlakes Swim League. Garcia said that people are thrilled to be part of the amazing event.

Historically, copious Island swimmers and teams have joined Swim Across America’s cause, said Thatcher, adding that this year the Beach Club has raised $14,707 toward its goal of $20,000 at post time.

“I thought it would be nice if we got all the kids involved,” she said, noting that the club is encouraging the youngsters to try and raise $200 each through bake sales, lemonade stands or asking friends or family members to donate.

During Thatcher’s fundraising journey to help fight cancer, she met someone who received a lifesaving bone-marrow transplant at Fred Hutch 22 years ago.

“She’s doing great today. Being able to see the direct impact is just really meaningful,” Thatcher said of her good friend. “What I tell people is, I haven’t stopped (fundraising) because cancer doesn’t stop.”

Thatcher is a lifelong swimmer who conquered seven Ironman triathlons and now glides through the water as part of the Beach Club Masters team, which will once again participate in its relay around the Island to benefit Swim Across America in September.

Business sponsors for the All-Island Meet are Splash Forward, Island Books, Inspired Orthodontics, Orthopedic Specialists of Seattle, Core Endodontics, Bellevue Club Swim Team, OCA Swim Team, G4 Physical Therapy, Mioposto Pizzerias, Anni Zilz Real Estate, Kitchen & Market, Greg Rosenwald Real Estate, Mercer Island Dentistry, Pogacha Restaurant and PWFRL.

Visit the retail site at: https://allislandswimmeet2023.itemorder.com/shop/home/. All profits from the store will go to Swim Across America. The Beach Club Swim Across America site is at: https://tinyurl.com/ys5snwr6.