On Saturday, October 18, the Cancer Coalition of South Georgia hosted its second-annual Dougherty/Lee County Cancer STOMP Walk & Carnival. The event celebrated the completion of the Coalition’s annual fundraising campaign in raising more than $15,000. “100% of these funds remain right here in South Georgia to fight cancer in our local communities. This is the most important message of the Cancer STOMP campaign,” said Diane Fletcher, CEO of the Cancer Coalition.
During the campaign, local businesses and individuals raised funds by selling STOMP prints, placing donation cans in their offices or stores, and participating in the Walk & Carnival event. Coalition Development Manager Melissa Goodin said, “We are so grateful to our presenting sponsor MillerCoors and our other sponsors for their generous support.” The family-friendly day included a reflective walk followed by carnival games and activities. Goodin stated “Cancer STOMP isn’t just about raising funds for our work. It is a way for the Cancer Coalition and the community to share information about cancer, remember those lost to cancer and honor survivors.”
Groups of all sizes and backgrounds came together to support the campaign in a variety of ways. From collecting donations in change cans to selling STOMP shoe prints and t-shirts or hosting Dine & STOMP days, all of these efforts combine to make a great difference! This is the most important message of the Cancer STOMP campaign: 100% of these funds will remain right here in South Georgia to fight cancer in our local communities.
The day began with a reflective walk followed by a carnival of fun for the whole family! This year brought the new “Kiss Cancer Goodbye” booth sponsored by Merle Norman, and Fairway Outdoor Advertising provided two billboards for donors to leave messages about loved ones affected by cancer. Both were BIG HITS! Top Fundraiser awards were given to Lake Park Elementary, SB&T Bank and East Albany Pediatrics while Spirit awards were given to Inbound Gymnastics and Lee County Family Connection.
The Cancer Coalition of South Georgia works in 32 counties to provide cancer related service, education, research and outreach. The Cancer Coalition’s Community Cancer Screening Program has provided more than 2,500 cancer screenings since 2008. The Coalition also conducts research studies which include important local data, and works to help school systems adopt the state’s model 100% tobacco-free policy. “Every dollar donated to the Cancer Coalition helps support our work in South Georgia,” said Fletcher. “The people of Dougherty and Lee counties can be proud of their second-annual Cancer STOMP and the impact it will have on the LOCAL fight against cancer.”