CCF INSTALLS NEW OFFICERS

Jack Becker, the director of MainStreet DeLand Association has taken the position of president of the Childhood Cancer Foundation, Inc. After five years at the helm the previous president, Sammie Wiggins, has stepped down and assumed other roles in the organization. The working board and new officers were installed at a reception, that included supporters and donors, at the Museum of Women's Art on the corner of New York Avenue and Woodland Boulevard in DeLand. Refreshments and beverages were served and  musical background was provided by Jeff Shepherd.

CCF OFFICERS ARE
Don Hill, Founder
Jack Becker, president
Sammie Wiggins, immediate past president
Donna Higbee,Vice President
Trish Dickerson,Treasurer
Janet Dixon, Secretary
Terri Bailey
Robin Harrington-Schmidt
Dwight D. Lewis
Dr. Stephen Hayman,Guardian Angel Program
Courtenay Howard

former director Nan Sherrill Smith will continue to donate the web and blog sites and any other graphic design for the organization.

The Red White and Blue Gala is now history and we are overjoyed to find that all our attendees did their level best to make it the most successful fundraiser we have ever had. Thanks go to all our donations, volunteers, entertainment, and bidders we achieved our goal and went way over the top. In this slow economy this is a testament to the kind hearts and generous people of Volusia and Flagler Counties. Love and blessings to each and all.

Sammie is working on the upcoming Red, White and Blue Gala on October 1. The affair will again be held at the popular Speedway 500 Experience in Daytona. Don Hill, Founder of CCF still maintains the the role of roving ambassador and administrator.

Most of the kids and families we serve are already suffering from the down economy and they need us more than ever. It is not unusual for one or both parents to have to quit their job to care for a child with cancer who is undergoing treatment. Many of our kids parents don't have cars ... or money for gas and tires if they do have cars. It is unfortunate that we find many utilities are shut off because of the drain of funds for cancer treatments and some families are left in the cold, or have no refrigeration for food. We do all we can to meet their needs, but we have a limit for each child. When that limit is reached we don't give up. We have a meeting and figure other ways to provide the help our kids and their families need. We contact other services and help educate our families on what options are open to them.

One of those ways is to call on our Guardian Angels. Dr. Steve Hayman has had wonderful success in asking those who have a philanthropic heart to provide emergency funding for individual patients. This could include wheelchairs, medical supplies, transportation, computers, travel expenses, housing expenses and even sadly final arrangements for those who have lost their battle with the disease. May we take time to mention that we have had tremendous support from funeral homes in the area who have helped us lay to rest more kids than usual in 2010 and 2011 so far. This is the heartbreaking result in some of our tragic cases.

We cannot operate without the monetary support of our donors. There are several ways you can donate to CCF. Look in our pages section and on our website www.childrenscancerfoundationinc.org  to see how you can be part of our program. We never turn away a donation of any size.

Right now we are in need of items to give away as door prizes at the RWB Gala and items to auction off that night too. It is very important that we are able to show those in attendance how much they mean to us. Call Jack, Sammie or Janet if you want to donate. Some suggestions might be, weekend packages, bicycles, books, jewelry, wine, baskets, electronic gadgets, crystal, sculpture, art work, designer handbags, iPads or Kindles, tutoring, classes, trips, household items and more. Think about it! We need your help.

Please patronize the businesses that help us each year.