Bob Sanders was the main speaker for Cocktails for Cancer, and spoke about the fund’s history and what it does.

Kosciusko County Cancer Fund hosted its annual Cocktails for Cancer fundraising event Saturday, June 28. It is one of several events the fund hosts each year to raise money to further its mission of reducing the challenges facing cancer patients and their families by financially assisting them during their fight.

CCF fundraising committee chairperson Sandy Green, who has been with the fund for many years, stated, “Basically, (the fund) is a group of Kosciusko County volunteers raising money to help Kosciusko County residents who have cancer and their families. And because of K21 being a 501c3 that gives us the ability to be a 501c3. K21 administers all of our funds without administrative costs so everything raised stays in Kosciusko County.”

Speaker of the night Bob Sanders reiterated this message, sharing with the audience how CCF has evolved and what all it does. Originally, the fund started with a golf outing at the Tippecanoe Lake Country Club before it expanded to include a gala after the Kosciusko County hospital was sold and its founders ball ceased.

Since then, Sanders stated, “We have started other things for money.” He joked, “We started tonight because we found out there are people who like to drink.”

Sanders stressed that 100 percent of funds earned by CCF go toward the fund. “We decided with the money we get, it was going to stay right here in Kosciusko County, keeping cancer patients in their homes and giving them some dignity.”

Sanders also talk about his own family’s struggle with cancer, noting that his wife is a cancer survivor. “We know what they are going through.”

Scott Abbs plays the bagpipe prior to the program beginning. (Photo by Sarah Wright)

As a county, Sanders said, more than $2 million since 1999 have been raised by CCF. “We have given every cent to those in the county. K21 takes our money and administrates it. They interview people and see what their needs are.” From there K21 distributes money to cancer patients and their families.

A breakdown of how the fund is helping was also noted by Sanders, who stated that 52 percent of the money raised is helping cancer patients and their families remain in their homes. Other ways the fund helps with are utilities; car payments and rentals; food certificates and supplements; gas certificates; health and life insurance payments; prescriptions and medications; car insurance and repairs; and lodgings.

Sanders concluded by thanking all who have took part in any of CCF’s events, stating, “You all deserve a big applause.”

During Cocktails for Cancers, people could purchase raffle tickets for any of the many raffle items that had been donated by area businesses. Additionally, bracelets with each gemstone representing a type of cancer were available for purchase for $20. All of the money from the bracelets goes back into the fund. Green stated her goal with the bracelets was to get one on the wrist of every woman in Kosciusko County.

Overall, according to Pat Ellis, who has been involved in CCF for years, this year’s turnout was really good, especially when half the committee was on health leave. On that note, Green expressed appreciation for those on the committee who really stepped up: “Deb and Dave Mayer really stepped up, took over and did this.”

Beyond Cocktails for Cancer, CCF annually organizes a gala, auction, battle of the bands, golf outing and more. In July, they will be holding another fundraiser at the North Webster American Legion, followed by the golf outing and gala in September. Green noted they also take the CCF tent to area events – like farmer’s markets and First Fridays – to spread awareness about the fund.

“I would like to thank all the people who have generously supported the fund,” Green said, noting many businesses and individuals have done just that over the years.

For information, contact K21 Health Foundation at (574) 269-5188 or visit k21foundation.org.