TBBCF does everything in their power to plan for a perfect Walk day, but one thing they can't plan for is the weather; and we needed a perfect day.

At the Pasta Dinner at Old Saybrook High School had a record crowd of walkers, volunteers, friends and family. The OSHS Jazz Band entertained the diners as they enjoyed their dinner, and student volunteers were busy serving drinks and desserts. There were raffles and door prizes and a generally fun atmosphere prevailed.

Fortunately, October 2nd dawned sunny and mild. Volunteers and walkers who arrived early were greeted with a beautiful sunrise over the Connecticut River. Maybe we would get our perfect day after all.

A perfect day for us is 357 walkers in the TBBCF's 2010 Walk Across Southeastern Connecticut. Full, half and quarter marathoners took up the challenge to walk and raise funds for breast cancer research where 100% of their donations will be directed to that research. Now that's a perfect day!

Opening Ceremonies went off without a hitch. The singing of the A National anthem by Colin Britt and the inspiring words of Sean and Ashley Brodeur got everyone off to a good start. As always, the Old Saybrook Police Department was out in force keeping our marathoners safe along the first several miles of the route.

The perfect weather conditions added to the smiles and good cheer that were evident everywhere along the route. Pit stops were decorated and music was playing to welcome walkers as they arrived at each stop, cyclists were cruising along the route ready to assist walkers as were two sweep vehicles, traffic and safety crew were dedicated to making sure everyone was safe, medical personnel were ready with blister remedies at each stop, and the hydration team made sure all pit stops were supplied with water and sports drinks.

As walkers closed in on the finish, they were greeted by the Spirit Crew with their fabulously motivating signs and music encouraging them along the last six miles of the route. Soon after passing the bench dedicated to Norma Logan in Harkness Park, walkers were greeted by pink flags waving in the breeze, a pink balloon arch in the distance and a team of volunteers announcing the name of each walker as they approached the finish line. Food, music, massages, medical assistance, family and friends and Walk t-shirts awaited the walkers at Camp Harkness.

At the closing ceremonies, a thanks went out to walkers and volunteers. John Lamattina, President of the Board of Directors, offered insight into the research being conducted by the young scientists funded by Walk fundraising dollars. Stacey Gualtieri, Board Treasurer, updated us on this year's receipts and how the Foundation has done overall. A special tribute to TBBCF co-Founder, Norma Logan, was given by her brother-in-law, Steve Logan on this 5th anniversary of the Walk Across Southeastern Connecticut. We were all moved by his words and were reminded that Norma's vision lives on in all those who work to make this event possible.

Thanks to all of you who participated in this year's Walk. Special thanks to those of you who responded to the Post-Walk Survey. We received a lot of great feedback which included many positive comments and opportunities for improvement. We read every comment and try to incorporate many of your suggestions into the planning for next year's Walk, which will take place on October 1, 2011. Mark your calendars and watch for registration information in the Spring!