Pink Ribbon of the Month, August: The 'Tripod'

In August, there's a three-way tie in the middle our Pink Ribbon of the Month - which the Komen Philadelphia Affiliate presents to a group of gentlemen we lovingly call our 'Tripod'... Dan Johnson, Dr. Kurt Bomze and Howard Kanowitz, Esq. For over twenty years, this team of photographers has been capturing the moments of the Komen Philadelphia Race for the Cure, as well as every Komen Philadelphia Affiliate event, special occasion and even everyday occurrences in our work.

 


 

More than just 'making pictures' of what's going on, Dan, Kurt and Howard invest their time, talent and resources so that the entire Komen Philadelphia Affiliate family can relive the memories and be inspired as we move ahead in our quest for the cures. In fact, when many of us wrap up an event and go home to relax after a hard day's work, our photographers keep at it, spending several more hours in their studios reviewing the photos they took, prepping them for our use, and sending them to The Affiliate for near-immediate posting on our website and Facebook.

 

 

Moreover, they make their photos available to The Affiliate, our sponsors, supporters and volunteers at no cost - helping to assure every possible penny is available to support our mission. This saves The Affiliate significant costs, especially when it comes to every billboard, ad, website and other outlets that rely on powerful photos to help generate awareness, promote The Affiliate, educate and raise funds.

 

While these generous donations are invaluable to our family and our mission, perhaps what most distinguishes the 'Tripod' is the heart they put into their volunteerism. As loyal activists in the cause, all three men clearly have a special 'viewfinder' when they take pictures, which allows them to see what will truly motivate, encourage and inspire the community. Each has developed this gift in his own time, Dan beginning his involvement with the Affiliate over twenty years ago, and Kurt and Howard about a decade ago.

 

 

Certainly, Dan, Kurt and Howard each have their own distinct styles. But if you look at any of their creations, you don't just see what happened... you feel the unique, powerful spirit of Komen for the Cure. Through their eyes, you experience the joy of survivors, the pride of thousands being educated about early detection, the discovery as strangers become new friends in the cause, the celebration as an entire community defeats a horrible disease. As the saying goes, all these things are 'worth a million words' when it comes to encouraging greater support and activism for the fight.

 

 

From bringing smiles to the faces of their subjects, to embracing all generations in hope and support - these gentlemen and their art are truly making a difference as they live out the Komen Promise. Always available to assure every event is captured on film - morning, noon or night, weekday or weekend - and meet every need we have for photography, Dan, Kurt and Howard are truly selfless volunteers. They never ask for a dime, never seek credit or personal promotion, but instead repeatedly express that the opportunity to give back to our community is the best 'payment' they could ever receive.

 

The Affiliate also sincerely thanks two more photographers who have lent their talents and invested their hearts for our cause through the years - Sandy Edelstein and Harris Sklar. And, again, we proudly honor with our Pink Ribbon and extend our appreciation to the 'Tripod' of Dan, Kurt and Howard for services that are critical to our mission, their continued activism and inspiration.

 

 

Pictured (top-bottom):

Dr. Kurt Bomze (left) and Dan Johnson taking a rare post in front of the camera the 2011 Komen Philadelphia Race for the Cure.

Howard Kanowitz, Esq. on 'candid' camera with the Honorable Lynne Abraham at the Komen Philadelphia Pink Tie Ball.

 

 

Enjoy these photographers' favorite pictures from Race day 2011.