Since 2002, the Cancer Coalition of South Georgia has been actively fighting to lower the area’s high cancer rates as well as the impact that the illness has on local residents. Engaging in 32 counties, the Coalition is dedicated to cancer education, research, outreach, and service, with particular focus on prevention, screenings and early detection.
On March 24, 2016, the Coalition hosted the Second Annual Night for Hope, which took place in the Student Union Ballroom at Valdosta State University.
“We had approximately 200 guests in attendance for this year’s event,” said Diane Fletcher, CEO of the Cancer Coalition of South Georgia. “It was a terrific turnout.”
The formal event, which included dining and live musical entertainment, honored Dr. Ronald M. Zaccari, retired Valdosta State University president and cancer survivor. During the event, Dr. Zaccari also spoke to the guests in attendance. In a spirited oration, he spoke to the audience about numerous topics, including his own personal battle with cancer.
Along with entertainment by the P&W Trio, Night for Hope also treated guests to live and silent auctions, in which everyone was able to bid on more than 60 items and services. The proceeds went directly to benefitting the Coalition. And with the organization solely focusing on South Georgia, all of the proceeds will stay and be used to benefit residents of the area.
“We raised more than $35,000 to support our local work against cancer,” Fletcher said. “That’s more than double what was raised at the inaugural event last year.”
Serving as Corporate Partners for the event were Keystone Foods/Equity Group, Southeastern Credit Union, DOCO Credit Union, Georgia Power, and Regions Bank. The Presenting Sponsor was 1st America Infusion Services, LLC, and 
O’Steen Subaru of Valdosta was the Gold Sponsor for the evening.
The Cancer Coalition of South Georgia would also like to extend their gratitude to all other sponsors and table hosts, including the Valdosta State University Foundation, Valdosta CEO, CJB Industries, Inc., First Federal Savings of Valdosta, First State Bank and Trust Co., Guardian Bank, Harley Langdale, Jr. Foundation, SGMC Pearlman Cancer Center, Dr. James Sinnott in memory of John P. Sinnott, JD, Dr. and Mrs. Ronald Zaccari, Merry Jo and Tom Kurrie, Southern Pediatric Clinic, Southwest Georgia Bank, Surgical Associates of Valdosta, and Thacker Dermatology.
“We’re very grateful to all the businesses and individuals that support the Cancer Coalition,” Fletcher said. “They are all a tremendous part of everything that we are able to accomplish.”
For more information, or to donate, please visit http://www.sgacancer.org.
Health-Life / May 2016
Valdosta, Georgia
By James Washington
Photography courtesy of Cancer Coalition of South Georgia
Health Life Magazine 