For 24 years, the 24 Foundation has been a late July ritual in the Charlotte community. As the nonprofit prepares for its 24th annual “24 Hours of Booty” event, organizers want to make certain this 24-hour cycling and walking fundraiser is the summer’s must-do charity event.
Katherine Murphy is Executive Director of 24 Foundation. We checked-in with her to talk about the organization’s mission and the exciting plans for this milestone year. “We raise funds that make an immediate impact on the lives of those with a cancer diagnosis,” Murphy explained. “That means untangling the maze of appointments and information and helping provide funding for treatments and programs that insurance typically doesn’t pay for but are just as important as chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, research, etc.” Since its founding, the foundation has raised over $30 million, all of which stays local to support the Charlotte community.
Like Murphy said, the 24 Hours of Booty event is a 24-hour celebration of hope, healing, and community, starting Friday evening and running through Saturday evening. Participants ride, walk, run, or ruck as much as they want during the 24-hour period. Along the way, they’re supported by meals, snacks, and a vibrant expo area featuring sponsors and community partners. Murphy described the event as “a big party for the cancer community,” adding, “it’s hard to explain it unless you’ve experienced it, so we always tell people just to show up whether it’s as a participant, volunteer, sponsor, donor, or someone just coming out and cheering people on.”
The Dunstan Group’s role in supporting the foundation has grown over the years, most recently highlighted by a special custom backpack created for the 24th anniversary event. Murphy was visibly excited about the collaboration, during our interview: “We love working with Dunstan Group. They help us create products that not only look great but also embody the spirit of our event and mission—they just get us!”
The backpack plays off a popular retail design that Murphy and her team enjoy, but takes it several levels higher. It’s a completely customized product, designed with thoughtful branding and practical features –all the way down to the color of the zipper pulls and placement of the tag. Yes! The Dunstan Group can get that granular when it comes to detail and design. Just give us the time, and we’ll make the magic happen.
Over the years, The Dunstan Group has provided a range of branded apparel, awards, and promotional items that help unify the event experience and boost visibility for the foundation and its sponsors. Murphy noted, “They really understand our needs and work with us to make sure everything matches our brand and feels special for the community we serve.”
Naturally, we had to ask Murphy was else was planned to celebrate year 24. She said to expect new on-site experiences to enhance the event’s impact and engagement, including a “Lighting of the Loop” ceremony—a nighttime program with special guests and surprises—and expanded family-friendly activities like a kids zone and a dunk tank. Murphy shared, “We’re going big for year 24, and The Dunstan Group’s support helps us bring all these new ideas to life with cohesive, professional branding and quality merchandise.”
And there’s still time to get involved. For more information about 24 Hours of Booty, including how to participate or support the event, visit 24foundation.org.
