(PRESS RELEASE) In two days since central Wisconsin’s inaugural Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure was held, contributions have jumped by $100,000.

Organizers today reported final participation numbers as well as donations to date. According to the race’s electronic registration system, 2274 people participated in the 5K run/walk or 1 mile family fun walk. Additionally, contributions now sit at $216,000, up from the $115,000 collected by race day.

“This is overwhelming,” said Race Chair Barb Klinner. “The phone has not stopped ringing. As we planned this event, we all believed that we were doing something extremely important. These results affirm that. We’re truly grateful to the community for embracing this event and overwhelming generosity.”

Up to 75 percent of net proceeds will remain in central Wisconsin. The remaining income goes to the national Susan G. Komen for the Cure Grants Program to fund research.

Participant numbers are now final. Contributions received before September 22 will be included in fundraising totals. Those wishing to make a contribution can do so online at komencentralwisconsin.org. Contributions can also be mailed to Central Wisconsin Race for the Cure, Central Wisconsin Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Foundation, P.O. Box 187, Wausau, Wisconsin 54402-0187.

In planning for the race, organizers had hoped to attract 1000 participants and raise $100,000 for breast cancer education, detection, treatment and research.

“To have doubled both our participant and fundraising goal is absolutely phenomenal,” Klinner said.

The Komen Central Wisconsin Affiliate was established in 2007 and has already invested $200,000 in local breast health and breast cancer awareness projects in Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon, Portage, Taylor, Wood and western Shawano counties.