Numerous self-storage companies and associations are partnering with Kure It Inc., an independent non-profit organization launched in 2010, to help fight kidney cancer and other orphan cancers.
USstoragesearch.com, a self-storage aggregator website, revealed earlier this month that its Fall 2011 Kure It fundraising event raised $5,500, more than any of the companys previous fundraisers combined. The website raises funds for Kure It by auctioning the sites featured storage listings during a specified period in the fall and donating the proceeds. USstoragesearch.com will present a check to Barry Hoeven, the founder of Kure It and the president of self-storage management company Westport Properties Inc., at Inside Self-Storage World Expo in Las Vegas on March 15.
US Storage Centers, which operates facilities in 10 states, donated $31,000 to Kure It in January. Partners since 2009, US Storage Centers raises $9,000 a month for Kure It through two programs at 23 participating properties. "Round Up for Research" allows customers to become involved by forming a community where they can add 50 cents or more to their rent payment per month as a donation to Kure It. The company then matches it.
The Florida Self Storage Association (FSSA) recently joined forces with Kure It to raise money for cancer research. Through the partnership, the FSSA will promote Kure It to its members, who will implement "Round Up for Research" and "Store for the Kure" at their self-storage facilities. The FSSA board voted unanimously to adopt Kure It as its sole charity.
Many other self-storage entities partner with Kure It, including the California Self Storage Association, Charity Storage, Everest Self Storage, SmartShop Self Storage and more. These companies donate in different ways. Some participate in events or sponsor Kure It's Duffy Networking Cruise, others participate in the Duffy Boat Race or Poker Run, and others provide advertising for Kure It.
Kure It was created by Hoeven, who was diagnosed with kidney cancer in 1998. In April 2007, he partnered with cancer center City of Hope to create the Kure It! Kidney Cancer Research Fund. Kure It Inc. was established in January 2010 as an independent, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Its goal is to be the leader in granting funds to cancer researchers investigating progressive treatments and cures. The organization has raised $850,000 since April 2007.
