Team Ra-Ras Kick Breast Cancer Photo Gallery
Philadelphia's Central High School, a picture-perfect September day, the spirit of Susan G. Komen permeating the atmosphere… the stage is set for an historic day for the Komen Philadelphia Affiliate family.
Here they come… "Team Ra-Ras," all members of the NFL Alumni Philadelphia Chapter Cheerleaders, reunited from as far away as Arizona, Texas and Tennessee, and from as close to home as Philadelphia, PA!
And they're still coming … with over 130 members, "Team Ra-Ras" arrived by the busloads to the filming site after a breakfast reunion at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel.
And, anchoring "Team Ra-Ras" is Elaine Grobman, Executive Director of the Komen Philadelphia Affiliate. For six months, Elaine was 'head cheerleader," helping to assure the project's success.
The crews from Rackow & Associates and Janis Productions set up to capture every shot, from every angle in order to create an astounding video conveying the hope and promise of the performance.
Camera crews were hard at work for the entire day, capturing special messages from participants and making "stars" of everyone for their dedication to helping create a world without breast cancer.
Cheerleaders receive final instructions for the morning filming session, as well as UnitedHealthcare of Pennsylvania gift bags to enhance their performance & commemorate this landmark occasion.
We thank our Video Sponsor, UnitedHealthcare of Pennsylvania for covering all cost of production, helping to assure every penny of their 10¢-per-view donation can be used to advance the Komen mission.
Team Ra-Ras takes to the field for the morning film session - where 5 decades of dance routines will be performed and woven together for the grand finale!
Sue Schick, CEO of UnitedHealthcare of Pennsylvania, hands out thank-you gifts, as well as lends special inspiration to video participants with an energetic statement of the company's devotion to fighting breast cancer.
As the sun comes up, the poms come out - dotting the field with pink sparks of hope, celebration and conviction in the power of all women to beat breast cancer.
Directors, producers and creative advisors help coordinate all 136 cheerleaders in the dance that will embrace the world in the cures.
At the break, showing their ever-present spirit of sisterhood for each other, Audrey Purcell and all the cheerleaders give a special recognition to Maggie Trush-Hammond, Membership Chair of the NFL Alumni Phila. Chapter Cheerleaders, for her dedication & leadership in the video project.
Melissa Leary, Account Manager for UnitedHealthcare of Pennsylvania, video volunteer and dedicated activist in the breast cancer movement, cheers on participants to show the company's thanks & ongoing commitment to "kicking breast cancer!"
Dozens of Affiliate staff & volunteers spent the day helping "behind the scenes," including serving lunch. Pictured (l-r): Marlene Lally, Bob & Diane Miller, John Joyce, Lynn Reber, David Cohn & Chris Covington.
Down, but definitely not out, Bonnie Kashlak made the trip from New Hope, PA - refusing to let a broken foot keep her from participating in the life-changing, life-saving performance.
Celebrity Stylist, Michael Burdick of Salon Rouge, Cherry Hill, NJ, donates his time and artistry to get the performers set before the grand finale of "Team Ra-Ras Kicks Breast Cancer."
Refreshed after lunch, some R&R and styling touch ups, Team Ra-Ras returns to the field for the final performance - the culmination of months of practice and years of dedication to the cause.
Team Ra-Ras hits the field for their final performance, led by breast cancer survivor, Mary Watson. At 85-years young, Mary mobilized the group with the same flair she had in the 60s as an NFL Cheerleader and choreographer.
Video Producer, Director and Director of Editing, David Rackow, Rackow & Associates, takes it all in -- using his creative eye and caring heart to direct the end product everyone envisions.
The grand finale - "Team Ra-Ras Kicks Breast Cancer" to the music of Jay Sean's "Do You Remember?"
The grand finale - "Team Ra-Ras Kicks Breast Cancer."
The grand finale - "Team Ra-Ras Kicks Breast Cancer."
The grand finale - "Team Ra-Ras Kicks Breast Cancer."
This picture tells the whole story of the day: hundreds unite to look back in honor, celebrate life in the present and empower future generations to live in a world without breast cancer.
