Boot Scootin’ Boobies Back Again to Walk

Jill Hutchinson of Decatur shares her reasons to promote breast cancer awareness and why the cause is important to her.

After Jill and her partner Ray Roberts both witnessed friends and family members' fight with breast cancer, Jill decided she wanted to get involved. In 2006, Ray’s sister told them about the Atlanta 2-Day Walk for Breast Cancer. Jill says it was because the 2-Day “benefited the local breast cancer community” that she Ray co-created their team, the Boot Scootin’ Boobies, and are now celebrating their fifth 2-Day Walk.

Individuals or teams can participate in the Atlanta 2-Day Walk, which covers 30 miles over two days, with each walker responsible for raising $1,000.

The Boot Scootin’ Boobies includes Jill and Ray as co-captains, as well as Ray’s sister Miranda and other friends. While their team isn’t one of the biggest, they know how to make a HUGE difference. Last year, the Boot Scootin’ Boobies won the Lyn Wassermann Service Award.

“It was an honor to attend the Grantee Reception at Maggiano's in March 2012 and to meet all of the grant recipients for the year,” Jill said. This award is based on service, not fundraising, and was given to them because of countless hours of volunteering in the 2-Day office, at 2-Day training walks and other acts of service.

Receiving this award allowed Jill and her team to donate an additional $1,000 to the 2-Day grantee organization of their choice. The team chose to donate to Piedmont Fayette Hospital, located in Fayetteville. This organization has a special place in Jill and Ray’s hearts.

“Ray’s sister Miranda stayed there for 3 months due to pregnancy complications. After spending every holiday from Halloween to New Year's at Piedmont Fayette, we knew that they deserved the money. The hospital also met our team's desired attributes when it came to the community being served and the services that were offered,” Jill said. Furthermore, the Boot Scootin’ Boobies love the Atlanta 2-Day so much that they even sponsored a B’Rest Stop at last year’s walk.

Celebrating ten years this October, The Atlanta 2-Day Walk has generated more than $8 million for 169 grants to breast health programs throughout Georgia that provide screening and diagnosis, treatment education, and support services. The endurance walk is produced by It’s The Journey, a local organization which is proud to state that all of the money raised here stays here in Georgia.

The Boot Scootin’ Boobies aren’t just known for their outstanding service. They are also known for their annual fundraisers, such as Tatapalooza and Bottomless Beer for Boobies. This year marks the 5th anniversary of Tatapalooza and it will be held at the Red Light Café on June 16. This fundraiser consists of local artists putting on a concert. There will be a cover charge and door prizes that have all been donated. All of the proceeds from this event will go directly to the Atlanta 2-Day. 

Describing the 2-Day Walk as “one big slumber party,” Jill says that the Atlanta 2-Day is a total blast. “It’s so much fun and feels like you are reconnecting with old friends.”

For more information about sponsorship, becoming a walker or making a donation to the Atlanta 2-Day Walk for Breast Cancer, visit www.2daywalk.org, email info@2daywalk.org, or call (404) 531-4111.