WP Engine Paddles Out Support for 2019 TYLER’s Dam That Cancer Event

WP Engine is committed to supporting the communities we live and work in. We’re all about taking action to improve the lives of those around us. That’s why this past Monday, for the third year in a row, a team of WP Engine employees took to Lake Austin to stand up against cancer as part of Flatwater Foundation’s 10th annual premier fundraising event, TYLER’S Dam That Cancer.

Flatwater Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides mental health services for those affected by cancer. In previous years, this event has funded more than 28,000 hours of therapy for individuals and their families, and this year, they kept the bar set high and raised over $1 million for their cause.

No Mean Feat

While last year’s paddlers had to battle the excruciating Texas summer heat, a cloudy sky provided this year’s team with some much-needed relief. Even with a cool breeze, however, the dam-to-dam trek was no mean feat. The course started at Austin’s Mansfield Dam and finished at the Tom Miller Dam, and all 200+ paddlers who took part had an unforgettable time on the water.

“Paddling down Lake Austin was mentally and physically challenging, but it was also inspiring to be with this group of people who were there for this cause,” said Sarah Wells, a Product Marketing Manager at WP Engine.

John Eitel, the VP of Sales at WP Engine, added, “you are paddling with folks that are battling cancer or that have recently beat cancer. It is hard to not be inspired when you hear their stories of perseverance and overwhelmingly positive attitudes.”

Out of the 24 teams that participated in this year’s event, WP Engine was the top fundraiser, surpassing our goal of $40,000 to just shy of $65,000. We are extremely thankful for all of the generous donations we received and are proud to have helped Flatwater Foundation pass their $1 million fundraising goal.

“For every dollar I raise, I think about the additional hours of help that will be provided to individuals and their families,” said James Chapman, an Enterprise Account Manager at WP Engine who has participated in the event for the past three years. “This is something way bigger than me and I love being a part of it. Even if I just help out a little bit—it’s worth it.”

Aspiring to Lead, Committed to Give Back

At WP Engine, we’re guided by our core values both inside and outside of the office. Giving back to important causes like the Flatwater Foundation helps our local Austin community heal and thrive. We’re honored to have been a part of Flatwater Foundation’s fundraising efforts once again this year and help them reach their $1 million goal.