Riley Mattox, CC Hightower, Christian Freeman, Ally Haney and Claire Auffenberg are united by a common goal: to help individuals battling cancer and their families. As Co-Chairs of this year’s American Cancer Society Victory Gala, these dynamic women are all inspired by the desire to find a cure for this disease that robs us of the ones we love. As stated by the American Cancer Society (ACS), today more people are surviving cancer than ever before, but there is still work to be done to end cancer as we know it, for everyone.
“The local ACS Victory Board has been involved in our community for over 50 years. This year, we hope to continue to raise funds for our local cancer patients,” says Riley Mattox. “I became involved with this organization, because everyone knows somebody impacted by cancer. Right now, a childhood friend of mine who resides on St. Simons Island is battling Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. His story, like many others, illustrates how crucial it is that we continue to fight to find a cure for cancer.”
Ally Haney echoes those sentiments, saying, “Everyone has been affected by cancer, and my granddaddy unfortunately was one of those who lost his fight with the horrible disease. I pray that through the funds we raise from Gala, we are able to make a difference for the patients and their families that are currently battling cancer.”
“We are fortunate to have a relationship with ACS and our local cancer center at Southeast Georgia Health Systems,” adds Claire Auffenberg. “Our ability to raise funds and support them is the impetus for the four events Victory Board hosts throughout the year, especially through our annual gala.”
Community-minded spirit is at the heart of CC Hightower’s motivation. She explains, “After mentioning that I wanted to become more involved in giving back in our community, my friend Lexie Whatley recommended that I join the Victory Board and I’m so glad that she did! Not only do we have so much fun planning and attending numerous fundraisers throughout the year, but we’re able to see the dollars we raise be put to good use at our local cancer care center. Nearly every family I know has been impacted by cancer in some shape or form and I’m very proud to say that I’m a part of helping ease the financial burden for local families that are in the midst of some of the most challenging times they’ll ever face.”
“Being a part of the Davis Love Foundation and the RSM Classic has shown me just how much charitable dollars can impact our community and changes lives of those involved with organizations who receive the dollars,” says Christian Freeman. “Victory Board allows me to be involved in raising funds for the ACS and our local Cancer Care Center. This is so near to my heart as many family members of mine have fought cancer. Currently, my cousin Callie is fighting metastatic breast cancer and is a clinical trial to help shrink tumors on her bones. Watching her go through treatment has been tough but her spirit has always remained high.” She adds, “I am hopeful that through Victory Board, we are able to shine a light in a dark time for those going through a diagnosis and treatment and ease the financial burdens that come along with it.”
Join the Victory Board for the “Betting on a Cure” Gala at Sea Island Retreat Clubhouse on Friday, September 20 from 7:00-10:00 p.m. It promises to be a night of excitement and generosity. Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy an array of casino games, silent and live auctions, and plenty of fun, all while raising money for ACS and the Cancer Care Center at Southeast Georgia Health System. The event is cocktail attire this year, as opposed to black tie. We will have an open bar, dinner, and music by Who Rescued Who. This Jacksonville band’s sound has been described as “an updated translation of The Police, Tears for Fears, The Cure and U2” with some musical contemporaries being Young the Giant, Bombay Bicycle Club, Walk the Moon, and Morning Parade. They deliver a spellbinding good time by performing upbeat original songs mixed in with interesting cover songs from timeless genres. They’ll surprise and inspire you.
Who Rescued Who
Don’t miss this chance to make a difference while having a fantastic time. Proceeds will be used by the Health System to directly address the personal needs of patients receiving cancer treatment there. Because many of the patients in treatment are lacking the basic essentials, such as transportation to and from appointments, funds received will be used to address patient needs that range from snacks, to gift cards, to transportation, etc. This may not seem like much, but in 2022 alone, ACS provided more than 323,000 rides to more than 35,000 patients in need through transportation programs. Especially with the rising costs of fuel, any support provided helps remove the barriers that stand between patients without transportation and the lifesaving treatment they require.
Tickets are $200 per person and are limited, so purchase yours today at seaisland.acsgala.org. Various sponsorship packages are also available. Let’s help make ACS make the rate of survival more certain than the spin of a roulette wheel.
