Since its inception thirteen years ago, the Survivors of Cancer, Inc. organization has helped hundreds of Cape May County residents in their struggles with cancer. Jimmy Kane, former owner of the Red Garter, was a key player in the organization’s founding.
Beginning in the spring of 2002, Jimmy enlisted the aid of many volunteers, some cancer survivors and other simply compassionate citizens whose lives had been touched by cancer. Jimmy’s goal was to raise funds, through various events, to financially assist those people in Cape May County who were diagnosed with any type of cancer, and in treatment. The first S.O.C.’s fundraiser was held in August of 2002 at Westy’s Irish Pub of North Wildwood. Since then, S.O.C.’s has made this an annual August event.
On August 9, 2014, the S.O.C.’s 13th Annual Fundraiser was held at Lighthouse Pointe Restaurant. In the words of publicity committee member, Joann Wieckowski, “It just keeps on getting better. People eagerly await that benefit.”This year’s event was met with overwhelming enthusiasm with a total of over 600 tickets sold. Per tradition, Jerry Boyle, Philly and Entertainment Coordinator at Eclipse Music Company, served as Master of Ceremonies and entertained benefit attendees between the performances of The Aquanets, Philly Cuz, Wayne & Jamie, Jimmy Johnson, and other local talent.
For the second consecutive year, the three young Survivors of Cancer advocates now titled “Carolyn’s Angels” were in attendance to sell their handmade bracelets and bookmarks to benefit the organization. Beginning in 2013, young friends Grace Capecci, Ava Jones, and Emily Miller joined forces to craft bracelets that could be sold at the benefit in order to assist S.O.C.’s in their efforts. Ava is a second cousin of a S.O.C’s committee member’s daughter, Carolyn Clift D’Orio, who passed away from breast cancer. Working diligently in her honor, this trio has recently been deemed her “Angels”. At this year’s benefit alone, they raised over $200 in sales.
Joann stated that she cannot “go on enough about the generosity” of both individual volunteers and local businesses of Cape May County. The Chinese Auction at this year’s benefit featured several specialty baskets, some of which were valued at over $1000, donated by many business supporters.
Natali Vineyards recently played host to the 2nd Annual “Stomp for S.O.C.’s” event held on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2014. Natali performs their harvest crush around this time of year and therefore invites the organization and its supporters to join them for a grape stomping benefit. Each attendee may purchase a ticket and is then put in a pool for a chance to stomp. S.O.C.’s committee members also act as “Lucy’s” to commemorate Lucille Ball’s iconic grape stomping scene. There were three Lucy’s this year, and, for those who didn’t want to physically stomp, a “Lucy” would stomp for them. Over $600 in tickets to the Annual Stomp were sold.
Fortune Funds hosted a highly successful 2014 golf outing in memory of Clark Morris. The “Festival of Fun for Clark’s ‘Ole Fuds” was held at Avalon Golf & Country Club on Aug. 10 and raised $6500 for the organization.
The 2015 Benefit is already in the planning stages. Organization members are hoping to exceed fundraising levels and attendance of past events. Survivors of Cancer, Inc. is also looking forward to a Beef and Beverage event scheduled for the spring of 2014. This is an annual event, started about five years ago. The exact date and location are yet to be determined, but locals are encouraged to check in with www.survivorsofcancer.org for the latest updates on how to support this organization in its valiant fight against cancer.
S.O.C.s, Inc. is also now selling beautiful cancer awareness bracelets hand crafted by the organization’s committee itself. Available in wrist and ankle sizes, the bracelets cost just $10 and $12 respectively. Referred to as the “Colors of Cancer” bracelet, its bright crystal beads and silver ribbon charm are perfectly stylish ways to show your support for community members struggling with cancer. Recently, the committee has begun selling visors as well for just $10 each. For more information, call Laura at (609) 729-2189.
The organization continues to work tirelessly in innovating new fundraising concepts and spreading word of their mission. The committee states that their main goal is to spread awareness so that those that need help know that they can be a resource. The passionate members of this organization really enjoy what they do. Though it’s hard work, it’s so much fun. That makes it a bit easier and can turn a bad situation into something more positive.
Referrals are received by word of mouth, various social workers, Cape May County doctor’s offices, hospitals, and other cancer fighting groups. All referrals have been advised of HIPPA laws and have agreed to the organization’s help.
The organization is blessed with twenty-one very dedicated volunteers, whose only mission is to make life easier for people who are being treated for this very devastating illness. Sponsors and donations are always welcome and greatly appreciated. Survivors of Cancer, Inc. is also a member of the Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce. If you would like to be a S.O.C.’s sponsor, it can be in the form of a venue for an event, food, drinks, t-shirts and more. In order to do so, please contact:
Survivors of Cancer, Inc.
P.O. Box 266
Wildwood, New Jersey 08260
Dennisville – As a parent of a Tech student it would be great if the school would update their staff directory. So many old staff still listed and no new teachers listed. What gives?
