Members of the Florida Self Storage Association (FSSA) raised $1,333 for Kure It Cancer Research during a silent auction on Oct. 4, the evening before the FSSAs annual Executive Retreat in Kissimmee, Fla. Kure It is a nonprofit dedicated to funding kidney and other cancer research.

The auction was part of the cocktail reception, hosted by USStorageSearch.com, an online self-storage directory and reservations network. During the event, participants bid on a variety of items, including Tampa Bay Buccaneers tickets with hotel accommodations, a dinner, golf packages, and self-storage industry-related products and services. The items were donated by companies including Bader Co., Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Services, PhoneSmart, Chateau Products Inc., MiniCo Insurance Agency LLC, SMD Software Inc. and others.

The FSSA partnered with Kure It in January 2012 to promote the organizations mission to its members. On behalf of the FSSA board members, this is just the start, said FSSA Executive Director Robert Bret. We discussed supporting many different projects, but all agreed we could do more good by focusing our efforts in supporting one worthy cause. After a thorough and exhaustive research, we found Kure It was the best way we could give back directly to a cause so near and dear to all of us.

Kure It was launched by Barry Hoeven, who was diagnosed with kidney cancer in 1998. In April 2007, Hoeven partnered with cancer center City of Hope to create the Kure It! Kidney Cancer Research Fund, which raised more than $400,000. Kure It Inc. was established in January 2010. Its goal is to be the leader in granting funds to cancer researchers investigating progressive treatments and cures.

Since announcing Kure It had reached the $1 million mark in funds raised for research, the five-year-old nonprofit has seen tremendous growth in support. The self-storage industry has led the charge in raising funds. The industrys commitment has allowed Kure It to award significant funding to top cancer-research institutions, including City of Hope and Cedars-Sinai. In 2012, Kure It awarded two grants totaling $500,000 through a partnership with the American Association for Cancer Research, and $100,000 to the Oregon Health Science University Knight Cancer Institute.

The FSSA plays an important role in spreading awareness of Kure It's mission, and the critical need for funding of orphan cancer research. We couldnt be more pleased with the partnership and the outcome of the auction, said Kure It Director Karen Jones.

The FSSAs annual executive retreat, held at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center on Oct. 5, was designed to be a think-tank, allowing industry professionals to meet and exchange ideas. Guest speakers discussed their business successes, challenges and creative ideas.

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