Meeting a steady stream of patients, caregivers and visitors who come to the information desk in the lobby of The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research, a stylish and friendly woman stands out. “I love elegance, true elegance,” said Patricia Lowe, who is a member of the James Patient Experience team. So, it’s only fitting that Lowe’s A Taste of Pelotonia event at The James is a truly elegant fundraising affair. “When people walk in, I want them to go ‘wow,’” Lowe said of the annual event that fills the OSUCCC – James’ conference center with white-linen covered tables adorned with rose petals, flower arrangements, ice sculptures and live music. And then there’s the food: Lots of tasty dishes from scores of the top chefs and restaurants in the area. “It’s a first-class affair,” said Karl Koon, Director of Rider Recruitment for Team Buckeye/Pelotonia. “A Taste of Pelotonia is a labor of love for Pat and truly one of the most lavish events I attend every year for Pelotonia.” In fact, “love” is another word that aptly describes Lowe and her commitment to the OSUCCC – James, Pelotonia and raising money for cancer research. “I love Pelotonia, it’s like it’s a part of me now,” Lowe said. “When I think about Pelotonia, I get excited. I see so many people in all the various stages of cancer here and I want to do something to help them get better and this is what I can do.” Lowe’s fourth A Taste of Pelotonia is July 22 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the OSUCCC – James in the Celebration for Life Conference Center. The cost is $20 per person and every dollar goes to Pelotonia. Lowe’s goal is to raise more than $10,000 this year. She’s able to raise so much money by asking local restaurants to donate all the food they prepare and serve. “It’s all cold calls,” Lowe explained of how she makes it happen. “I pray first, then I call and tell them who I am and what I want to do for Pelotonia. The key is to be passionate about what you’re raising money for and to share that passion with the people you’re asking.” Some of the long list of restaurants and caterers who have caught Lowe’s passion include: The Refectory, Cameron Mitchell Catering, New Albany Country Club, Metro Cuisine, Au Bon Pain Catering, Junior's Sweet Potato Fries, Berwick Manor Catering, Z Cucina, Adriatico's, LaVash Café and the Blackwell Inn and Conference Center. DeSantis Florists is donating the floral arrangements, and Sabrina Tutstone and Jazz Band will perform throughout the afternoon. A Taste of Pelotonia began in 2013 and was held on the first floor of the OSUCCC – James Administrative Offices on Ackerman Road, which is where Lowe worked at the time. It’s grown over the years and moved to the OSUCCC – James after the new James opened and Lowe joined Patient Services. “It is a little nerve-wracking,” she said of the last few days leading up to her big fundraising event. Lowe takes two vacation days before A Taste of Pelotonia to set everything up. “And Mark Stewart from Janitorial Services takes a day off to help me set up and my husband (Arthur Lowe) also helps out,” Lowe said. “We have to get everything just right.” Once everything is set up to Lowe’s satisfaction, the food arrives and the patrons start filing in, Lowe can finally relax. A little. “It’s such a pleasure to see so many people come,” she said. “And everyone seems so happy and excited. There’s such a spirit of caring and love.” And elegance. For more information and to register for A Taste of Pelotonia, visit the Team Buckeye – Patient Experience peloton page. You can contact Lowe with questions at patricia.lowe@osumc.edu