This post is so long overdue, but hey, between moving and a wedding I’ve been just slightly busy. About a month ago on a gorgeous spring day, I went to a friend’s house where the local charity, Lovern and Friends, utilized the yard to host “Cookout for a Cause” to benefit the VCU Massey Center. It seems as if cancer has managed to effect so many people whether they themselves, or they know someone who has been a cancer patient. Did you know that in the US there are 1,500 cancer centers, but the National Cancer Institute has only designated 66 to help lead and shape the fight against cancer, VCU Massey Center being one of them.
This was actually the 2nd Annual Cookout for a Cause which kicks off the annual charity Golf Tournament hosted by Lovern and Friends. This wasn’t your typical weekend cookout either, it was a cookout on steroids with tons of great food to eat and raffle prizes made possible by donations from Goody’s Pizza, Hard Times Cafe, Buffalo Wild Wings, Georgetown Pizza, PB&Kell, and Fireworks Pizza. There were about 50 people in attendance and they were able to raise their donations by 50% from last year! 100% of the proceeds will go to benefit the VCU Massey Center. Attendees had a great time eating, drinking, playing corn hole (I even played for the first time, minus the alcohol!), and we even made friendly wagers for the Kentucky Derby! I love this kind of fundraising event, because Lovern and Friends recognizes how every little bit can go a long way. There wasn’t a minimum that had to be paid to attend, which in turn, causes some people to not have the ability to participate. They had a jar out collecting the cash from the raffle ticket purchases, and you could see that even with singles, or $5’s the donations were accepted and greatly appreciated.
Lovern and Friends was started by Michael Lovern who was lucky enough to have tumors removed from his spinal cord in 2002 and 2007 by the amazing doctors at MCV and the VCU Massey Center. Although the recovery process can be long and grueling, Michael was able to be back doing what he loves, swinging a golf club, three short months after surgery! It was wonderful to see that his family and friends were so supportive and passionate to help out a cause that is so close to his heart. And bravo to Michael for starting up such a wonderful foundation and truly “giving back.” VCU Massey Center is lucky to have had a wonderful patient who has done so much more than just show his appreciation!
Go Here to learn more about Lovern & Friends, and donate as much or as little as you can for the VCU Massey Center to help fight cancer!! http://www.lovernandfriends.org/
