The Cockopalooza golf outing will take place Aug. 29 at Christiana Creek Golf Course in Elkhart. (Photos provided)

ELKHART – The Pillars of Elkhart have partnered with the Cockopalooza committee for the 12th annual Cockopalooza cancer-fighting events happening over the next several weeks. The group, comprised of all volunteer members, will be hosting events in downtown Elkhart to support local non-profit agency, United Cancer Services of Elkhart County, focusing on juveniles battling cancer.

Steve Starzyk and his daughter.

The Cockopalooza Golf Scramble is set for Saturday, Aug. 29, at Christiana Creek Country Club on Bristol Street in Elkhart. Team check-in is at 11:30 a.m. for lunch followed by a 1 p.m. shotgun start.  Registration is still open (four-player scramble is $300 per foursome) and pre-registration is required by Friday, Aug. 28. To sign-up, email [email protected]

Saturday, Sept. 12, marks the 12th annual Cockopalooza cancer-fighting event in Elkhart. The community is invited to join in this family-friendly event in downtown Central Park starting at 11 a.m. for a fun-filled day of games, food vendors and beer garden, silent auction, music and various kids activities. General admission is $10 with T-shirt (while supplies last). This is the second year that Cockopalooza has teamed up with the ‘Pillars of Elkhart’ to bring events downtown Elkhart to continue the cancer-fighting tradition and “Party with a Purpose!”

“Cancer is unfortunately one disease most community members can relate to; we’re all affected by cancer at some point, whether it’s a family member, neighbor, a friend,” says Meggan Fink, Cockopalooza Committee member. “It’s up to us to rally together to support and celebrate cancer survivors on a local level, especially families with a young child fighting against cancer.”

Funds raised from Cockopalooza events support United Cancer Services of Elkhart County juvenile cancer fund. United Cancer Services provide assistance to local cancer patients and their families in a way that enhances their quality of life by educating Elkhart County residents in the prevention, detection and treatment of cancer.

September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and funds raised at the events are earmarked in a special UCS “Cockopalooza” fund to financially aid Elkhart youth under the age of 18 who are going through their cancer journey.

 Help support the cause by sponsoring, donating, volunteering or participating in the Cockopalooza events. For more information, visit www.Cockopalooza.com or https://www.facebook.com/Cockopalooza

Cockopalooza 2014 workers Carrie Colborn, Meggan Fink and Brittany Marlow.