Leading survivors on their first lap at the 16thannual LACiNg Up For Cancer walk is the local Allen family with Pastor Al Lamos. The Allen family have been a long-standing supporters of the walk with their team ABC – All’Bout Cancer. Courtesy photos
Vermont Business Magazine Fundraising efforts for this year’s LACiNg Up For Cancer walk, an event that benefits Lamoille Area Cancer Network (LACN), is at $187,029 with more expected to trickle in over the next several weeks. Kathy Demars, Event Chair, expressed her appreciation to the many teams, businesses and individuals who supported this year’s walk stating, “We live in a very generous community, a community that understands the importance of helping others. We should all be proud of what we can accomplish by working together.” The LACiNg Up walk is a signature event for LACN. Monies raised stay in our community helping those who are undergoing treatment for their cancer. Since 2000, LACN has written more than $2.6million in grants. “The walk is critical to LACN,” states Cindy Lowell, one of LACN’s board members. “Last year, we wrote $218,800 in grants. We would not be able to do this without the LACiNg Up walk.” Recipients can use these grants to help with every day expenses, gas to get back and forth from treatment, medications, household bills and more.
While it appears at this time the event will come up shy of its $200,000 goal, event planners are proud of the amount raised given the weather conditions. “The results clearly add up to a united caring community,” Demars said, speaking on behalf of the planning committee.
The event kicked off with a powerful, yet tear jerking opening ceremony. “Pastor Al Lamos provided prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance lead by a number of cub scouts and boy scouts from pack 876. With guitar in hand, Cadi Johnson of Eden hit the high notes singing ‘Rise Up’ by Andra Day. Guest speaker Jess Stubbs of Walden spoke of her dad’s cancer journey and what it meant to receive grants of support from LACN. “We could not believe that strangers were helping us,” Stubbs said. Since her dads passing, Stubbs has been spreading the LACN word and doing her part to help raise money for the organization. “We knew nothing about LACN until that first check. Those grants turned out to be blessings to us,” said Stubbs.
Of the total monies raised, team and other contributions raised over $115,000 with corporate sponsorships bringing in $44,000. Luminary sales were lower when compared to prior years with sales at $13,000. The event’s silent auction had its best year yet with $8,700 in sales.
210 survivors registered and were treated to a special luncheon while 160 pizzas were served to participating walkers. In total, 88 teams supported the event with walkers coming from all parts of Lamoille County, the Hardwick area and surrounding towns. Many teams were of family and friends, while there were a number of church groups and local businesses participating as well.
The LACiNg Up For Cancer walk Planning Committee and LACN Board extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported the event. “Whether you were a sponsor, team walker, a business who provided in-kind support, someone who purchased a luminary, a bidder at the silent auction, or one of the many volunteers who jumped in to help where needed, thank you. LACiNg Up For Cancer continues to be a success because of all of you,” Demars said on behalf of LACiNg Up and LACN.
The date for next year’s walk is set for June 22, 2019. Mark your calendars!
Lamoille Area Cancer Network Board Members got a big cheer from bystanders as they made their way around the track at Peoples Academy during the LACiNg Up For Cancer walk held June 23rd.
Source: Lamoille Area Cancer Network 7.11.2018