Saturday, February 21, turned into one of the rare days in metro Phoenix when showing up to a charity event in your underwear was not only allowed but encouraged. Runners at the Phoenix-area Cupid's Undie Run peeled off extra layers for a quick "mile(ish)" trot and a high-energy dance party benefitting the Children's Tumor Foundation. Set along the Scottsdale greenbelt, the event blended loud music, playful costumes and a short dash while teams collected donations to support people living with neurofibromatosis. Organizers presented it as a silly yet serious way to steer attention and dollars toward research and patient services.
Clothing was optional at the Phoenix stop, and local cameras captured plenty of runners braving the February air to raise money for children battling neurofibromatosis. As reported by FOX 10 Phoenix, the station shared video of the nearly bare-legged crowd and highlighted the event's fundraising purpose.
Where It Happened
The Phoenix-area edition operated out of R.T. O'Sullivan's Sports Grill in Scottsdale, with pre-run festivities spilling onto the bar's outdoor greenbelt and sand volleyball courts. Local listings note the gathering ran roughly from noon to 4 p.m., with the "mile(ish)" run taking off after an extended pre-party, according to AllEvents. The venue's own site outlines its Scottsdale address and on-site event spaces that host group gatherings, per R.T. O'Sullivan's.
How The Run Helps NF Research
Cupid's Undie Run functions as a national fundraising program for the Children's Tumor Foundation, and organizers say the campaign has generated more than $25.7 million since 2010 to support NF research and related initiatives, according to Cupid's Undie Run. Neurofibromatosis is a group of genetic disorders that can lead to tumor growth on nerves and affects roughly one in 2,000 births, per the Children's Tumor Foundation. Money raised through local runs helps pay for research projects, clinical trials and family services that aim to speed up treatments and improve day-to-day care.
Nationwide Reach
Cupid's Undie Run events pop up in dozens of cities each February, with race calendars listing Phoenix among the participating locations this year, per RunningInTheUSA. Local teams and solo participants build personal fundraising pages to pull in donations, keeping the event equal parts midwinter party and grassroots fundraiser for NF-focused programs.
