News Summary
The city of Shawnee is gearing up for two major community events aimed at supporting local causes. The Perkins Charity Golf Tournament will benefit Give Kids The World, offering critically ill children unforgettable experiences. Following that, the Dragon Boat Festival will promote breast cancer awareness, featuring team races that bring the community together for health and wellness initiatives. Both events are organized by the KC Pink Warriors, who aim to enrich community engagement and support local cancer survivorship.
Shawnee, Kansas – Upcoming Golf and Dragon Boat Events Support Local Causes
The city of Shawnee is set to host two significant community events in the upcoming months, focused on charity and health awareness. The first is the Perkins Charity Golf Tournament, scheduled for Monday, August 4, at the Shawnee Country Club, and the second is the Dragon Boat Festival, planned for September 28, at Shawnee Mission Lake.
Perkins Charity Golf Tournament Aims to Aid Give Kids The World
The Perkins Charity Golf Tournament will serve as a key fundraiser supporting Give Kids The World, a nonprofit organization that provides cost-free vacations to critically ill children and their families. Organized by the KC Pink Warriors, a group of breast cancer survivors, this event encourages participation from local golfers, sponsors, and community members to raise funds that will help create memorable experiences for families facing serious health challenges.
The event involves a day of golfing at Shawnee Country Club, where participants can enjoy a fun-filled day while contributing to a meaningful cause. Donations will be collected on-site, and proceeds will directly support Give Kids The World’s programs. It is noteworthy that earlier reports mistakenly indicated the Johnson County Park and Rec District as the organizers; however, the KC Pink Warriors are responsible for this event.
Details of the Golf Event and Community Involvement
Golfers of all skill levels are encouraged to participate. The event aims to attract a broad range of local residents and businesses, fostering community engagement through contributions and sponsorship. The tournament is designed to generate vital funding to expand the nonprofit’s ability to offer joyful holidays to children with critical illnesses and their families.
Upcoming Dragon Boat Festival Promotes Awareness and Community Participation
The second major event, the Dragon Boat Festival, will take place at Shawnee Mission Lake, offering a unique and entertaining experience for spectators and participants alike. Organized by the KC Pink Warriors, the festival is free to attend and aims to raise awareness of breast cancer, as well as support local efforts for cancer survivorship.
The festival will feature dragon boat races, where teams compete by paddling large, canoe-like boats approximately 40 feet long, with around 20 paddlers per boat. The races require all paddlers to synchronize their movements to achieve the best speed and efficiency. The event intends to accommodate 20-30 teams initially, with a potential expansion to up to 90 teams depending on participant interest.
Participation and Team Formation
Local community and corporate groups are encouraged to form teams, and individuals can also sign up online. There is no prior experience necessary to participate, as teams will be formed to include everyone interested in paddling. The race dynamics involve paddlers facing forward, while a drummer at the front maintains rhythm, and a steerer at the rear guides the boat.
Historical Context and Benefits
Past dragon boat races have been held on Brush Creek, sponsored by the Society for Friendship with China. This marks the first race held at Shawnee Mission Lake, showcasing its potential as a venue for larger community events. The activity has also been linked to health benefits for breast cancer survivors, as the repetitive arm movements assist with physical rehabilitation and dispelling previous concerns about arm activity restrictions for such individuals.
The KC Pink Warriors and Community Impact
Established in 2019, the KC Pink Warriors have grown to a membership of 45 individuals. The group dedicates volunteer hours and fundraising efforts toward supporting cancer patients and survivors in the local area. Their activities include regular training sessions from March to October and participation in various festivals, with plans to compete in a dragon boat event in the French Alps in 2026.
Personal Stories and Broader Goals
The organization also highlights personal stories, including members battling breast cancer who find empowerment and peace through dragon boat racing. The festival aims to emphasize both the sport and cancer survivorship, fostering awareness about health, resilience, and community support.
As Shawnee prepares for these upcoming events, both are expected to enhance community engagement, raise vital funds, and promote health and wellness initiatives throughout the region.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- KSNT: Perkins Charity Golf Tournament
- Johnson County Post: Shawnee Mission Lake Dragon Boat Festival
- Lake News Online: Idiots Club Hits 1M in Donations
- Discover NEPA: The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dragon Boat Racing
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
