The Brother Shamus Shuffle

Running, biking, walking for a good cause--that's the "Brother Shamus Shuffle." This non-competitive event will be held on Saturday, August 24 at the Memorial Field pavilion along the Ghost Town Trail.  Bikers start at 9:00am, runners at 9:15, and walkers at 9:30.  Here are the details...

Brother Shamus McGrenra, T.O.R., is well-known in the Saint Francis community. The 66-year old director of international admissions is as much known for his smiling, positive attitude as he is for his annual bicycle ride to benefit the campus’ Dorothy Day Center, an outreach provider to the region. For the past two years his charity bicycle rides raised more than $34,000 that the center in turn used to help local families. Brother Shamus was planning this year’s ride with the hope of traveling five states in five days to raise $25,000. While making initial plans he received news that is temporarily stalling his charity ride.  

Through a routine medical screening, Brother Shamus learned he has colon cancer. He didn’t want to postpone the bicycle ride, but his doctors advised him to begin treatment. He is currently undergoing simultaneous rounds of chemotherapy and radiation for the next two months. He still plans to ride when he is recovered, but his Saint Francis friends want his focus to be on getting well. Knowing how important the event is to Brother Shamus and how much the Dorothy Day Center relies on the race, the university is holding the first Brother Shamus Shuffle on Saturday, August 24.  

The event will begin at the Ghost Town Trail in Ebensburg at the Memorial Field Pavilion. Registration will begin at 8 am. Bicycle riders, runners, and walkers are all welcome to participate and will depart at 9 am, 9:15 am and 9:30 am respectively. There is not a minimum distance to travel. The registration fee is $20 and registrants will receive a shirt, refreshments, and personal satisfaction of helping a good person and worthwhile cause.  

To register for the shuffle, send in the brochure or call 814-472-3004 or 814-472-3150. To receive a shirt, please register by July 29. If you are unable to shuffle but still would like to donate to this cause, please visit http://francis.edu/sfubus/annualfund/giveform.asp and choose Dorothy Day Center and in the "Department/ Scholarship" line, type Brother Shamus Shuffle.

Registration fee and donations from the Brother Shamus Shuffle will go to the Dorothy Day Center. The center contributes clothing, furniture, appliances, and financial assistance in times of crisis to economically disadvantaged families in four counties (Blair, Bedford, Cambria, and Somerset). The center relies mainly on donations from the local community to be able to help others. For more information about the Dorothy Day Center visit francis.edu/dorothy-day-center.