The Booty Crew, also known as the Booty Organizing Committee (BOC) is a dedicated group of year-round volunteers who lend their time and talents to ensure 24 Foundation runs smoothly. The BOC meets with the staff months before the event to ensure no detail is left out.

Laney Parrish is a member of the Charlotte BOC and says her goal is to do everything she can to make sure things go off without a hitch. Her responsibilities include updating the inventory for all the events, as well as assisting with donation processing. Parrish was introduced to 24 Foundation when she was working at Queens University, whose campus runs directly into the Booty Loop. A few of her co-workers formed a team and Parrish eventually asked her husband to join, as well.

Aside from volunteering to give back to the community, Parrish became involved with 24 Foundation due to her personal connection to cancer. In 2012, her brother in-law was diagnosed with a form of brain cancer. He is now doing well and the family is thankful for his recovery. In addition to lending her time to the Charlotte BOC, Parrish will be riding this year in honor of a sorority sister who has recently completed treatment, as well as a friend’s mother who passed away last year.

“We have family taken too soon, see co-workers and friends battle for their lives, know parents who lose their children,” says Parrish. “24 Hour of Booty makes me feel like I am doing something to fight back.”

Cheering on riders is her favorite part of the event and is something she wants everyone in all the event cities to experience. Parrish advises first time riders to speak with other riders on the loop and listen to their stories. She describes the event as “one big family coming together to kick cancer’s booty!”

“Even for those of us not personally affected by cancer, everyone has been touched by it,” Parrish said. “I know the money that is raised is helping our neighbors get the support they need to keep fighting.”