Tag: fundraising

Thank You Columbia City High School Eagle Wrestlers & Coaches

by Linda Bewley, outreach coordinator

Columbia City H.S. Eagles Wrestlers & Managers

I’m always having new experiences and meeting people who have a heart to help others! On November 20, and again on January 16, I attended Columbia City High School Wrestling meets. The team decided to wrestle for a cause with proceeds being given to our organization. Everyone on the team, as well as coaches and managers, chose a cancer to represent and wore a shirt at both meets designating their choice. Between November 20 and January 16, a silent auction was held for these shirts, as well as several other fundraising activities.

I was at both meets with our cancer ribbons, and once again people were amazed at the variety of cancers represented. On January 16th I was honored to be able to thank the team and all the supporters in the stands for their generosity. A total of $730 was donated ! Thank you Columbia City High School Eagle Wrestlers!!

Thank you Northwood Middle School

by Linda Bewley, outreach coordinator

One person can make a huge impact on the lives of students and on an organization. Todd Roberts, a teacher at Northwood Middle School, is just such a person. Ten years ago, he started Aunt Elena’s Hair Care Challenge to honor his aunt and teach students the value of working to help others. Each year, he agrees to get a funky haircut and wear it for a number of days if certain fundraising goals are met. Students and faculty alike think up and participate in a variety of fundraising ventures to reach these goals throughout November. While having fun, they are working toward a goal and learning the value of helping others.

What was so impressive was the zeal with which these students collected money for charity. They were so happy to contribute to a worthy cause. Many of them have been personally touched by cancer—parents, siblings, grandparents, friends– so they understand the effect it has on people.

On November 21, I attended the wrap-up assembly and received a $4,000 check to be used to help our clients! I also came back with over 50 letters from students telling us why they wanted to help us and what they did to earn their contributions. One comment stands out: “You guys are the rock for cancer patients.”

Thank you Northwood Middle School!

A very special visit, a very special gift

Amber and her sister proudly display their donation to our organization

Our office was moved to tears yesterday when 14-year-old Amber Nelson stopped by with her mom and sister to make a very kind donation. Last year, she made a commitment to donate her birthday money to our organization in honor of her grandmother and stopped by on her birthday with her donation. This year, she made the same commitment and took it even further, hosting a bake sale, soliciting family and friends for donations, and saving her Christmas money. As a result of her efforts, she donated $200 to our organization to help people with cancer in our community.

We could not do what we do without our generous donors. And while we appreciate all of our donors, it truly moves us when a young woman like Amber makes such a sacrifice for the sake of others… focusing on giving rather than receiving. She is our hero. Thank you, Amber.

10th Annual Lapper & Survivors Day a Success

Commemorative 10th anniversary T-shirt design created by the
talented Amy Keller of Just Sue Graphic Design.

We crossed the finish line of our 10th Annual Lapper & Survivors Day here at Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana. May 19 proved to be a wonderful (and very sunny) day for our cancer community. Both new and familiar faces gathered together to raise money, awareness and friends to support our mission.
Nearly 600 people rallied in support of people with cancer and to celebrate life. The energetic crowd included many friends of our organization such as clients, neighbors, sponsors, board members, staff, and dedicated volunteers. It was especially touching to see clients of Cancer Services with their entourage walking side by side.

 
Before the Lapper, everyone assembled to hear the inspiring words of Lapper founder, Jill Burnett. It was a special moment as we recognized the 10th anniversary of this growing event. With those words at heart, the vast crowd took its first steps and formed an impressive sight as we marched through Brotherhood Place Office Park. Following the Lapper, people gathered at the party tent for Survivors Day and facility tours. Guests cooled off with frozen treats from Edy’s and refueled with food from Chick-fil-A and Jamison. Music, chair massages, bounce houses, face painting, cheerful clowns, balloon animals, and more all rounded out the festivities. What a party!

We’re proud to have raised over $65,500 which directly benefits cancer patients in Northeast Indiana. Donations will impact your neighbors, your family and your community. Proceeds from the event will benefit programs supporting individuals in our community who are affected by cancer. Each year Cancer Services helps over 2,300 individuals and their families by providing financial assistance, medical supplies and equipment, and emotional support.

Stretching our limits during the Lapper walk and celebrating life at Survivors Day are positive ways to support people on the cancer journey and honor the lives of loved ones. We’re grateful to all who were part of this experience and hope to walk alongside you again next year. Here’s to a healthful and healing year ahead. Let’s start training for 2013!

Client Story: Paying it Forward… a cancer survivor rides for a cause

Jill with her boyfriend Paul after finishing the 51-mile ride

By Lynette Fager

In 2000, the movie “Pay It Forward” hit theaters and caused a surge in the idea of repaying a kind deed with a kind deed for someone else. That idea of paying it forward is what inspired Jill Sample to raise money for Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana.

A year ago and a half ago, Jill was diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma, a rare cancer that affects smooth muscle cells. No stranger to struggles (almost 30 years ago Jill was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma), she underwent surgery to remove the cancer and today she is living a normal, healthy life. Recovery, however, wasn’t easy.

“I knew I would need a hospital bed at home after surgery,” said Jill. “A friend recommended I contact Cancer Services.”

She did and Cancer Services came to her home, set up the hospital bed and removed it when she no longer needed it.

“It was extremely helpful to my recovery,” said Jill.

Because of her experience with Cancer Services, Jill wanted to give back and on May 21, 2011, she rode in the Zoo-De-Mack, a 51-mile bike ride in Michigan. She campaigned for sponsors and raised funds and donated everything she earned—$1,500!—to Cancer Services. The five-hour ride was intense, but Jill says it was worth it!

“Cancer Services does a lot for the community and it did a lot for me, and I wanted to pay it back for the help it gave me,” said Jill.