This year’s event, which was held at the Stampede Grounds on Saturday, June 13, brought in $185,000, making Drumheller’s bid for cancer research to over $700,000 in three years.
“It went pretty darn good,” says Chairman Merridy Martin, despite the fact their goal this year was to fundraise $254,000. “It was a lovely celebration for our survivors.”
“We had a great crowd, great fun, great weather, all was well,” Martin said.
The evening kicked off with the Victory Lap for the nearly 100 registered cancer survivors, led by the banner-carrying Jonny Hamm of Rosebud.
Martin says only 28 teams participated this year, compared to last year’s 38 who brought in $200,000.
“That’s over $500 per participant.”
Making the move from the old Drumheller Composite High School field to the Stampede Grounds was smooth, according to Martin.
“It worked well, it was compact, there was easy access, and participants did not have to travel the distance they did at the old field,” she said.
“For once we had nice weather,” Martin laughs, “it was a bit windy lighting the luminaries, but it cleared and it was an absolutely beautiful night.”
“It makes the whole night better when your not freezing cold.”
“We were all happy, a good collaborative event, and the money was for a great cause,” Martin said.
“Maybe it’s our $185,000 that finds the cure.”
Of the money raised, 36 per cent goes towards research, 22 per cent towards patient support, 13 per cent to information and administration, 9 per cent to prevention, and 8 per cent to advocacy.
The Canadian Cancer Society is the largest charitable funder of cancer research in the country, funding a broad range of research on all types of cancer.
