Conquer Childhood Cancer Now had a successful first year of raising awareness and funds. Our group started in May with the annual Lilac Festival in downtown Defiance. The first annual Ball Fest provided a fantastic venue for promoting awareness and our first major fundraiser. Thanks to the Ball Fest committee for giving us the opportunity. We were then invited to participate in the Grover Hill Summer Fest and thanks to the wonderful kids of Grover Hill we were successful once again.
The month of August brought about several wonderful opportunities for Conquer Childhood Cancer Now. Thanks to “Racing for Cancer” we were able to be part of the Mid-Ohio IndyCar racing event and had the opportunity to present information and raise funds. Thanks to the many wonderful people of “Racing for Cancer,” especially to Ryan Hunter-Reay, Beccy Gordon, Tom Vossman, Patty Marek, and the IndyCar Racing teams.
Other activities in August included the Route 127 garage sale, thanks to the Nusbaum family, and the “Conquer Childhood Cancer Now Queen Contest,” which was held at the Defiance County Fair. The Defiance County Fair Board was very supportive in the success of our first year in operation. A big thank you goes out to our wonderful contestants who included: Bob Hathaway, Bobby Olashuk, Jim Hall, Chris Tyler, Eric Tipton, Eric Spiller, Josh Busch, and our first Queen, Andy Singer.
Several restaurants jumped in and were significant contributors as they held fundraisers for our group. These restaurants included Applebee’s and Buffalo Wild Wings of Defiance as well as Abuelo’s Restaurant of Maumee. Wal-Mart of Defiance allowed Conquer Childhood Cancer Now to set up a lemonade stand in front of their store. This fundraiser was another successful event for our group.
Fall time activities held by CCCN continued to be successful in raising awareness and funds as the group participated in the Johnny Appleseed Festival held at Auglaize Village. A “One Stop Shopping Extravaganza,” organized by Cat Decker, was held at the Poplar Ridge Church of the Brethren. Thanks to all of the vendors who took part and made donations to our group.
The Defiance Lions Club hosted its 64th annual Halloween parade on October 31, and was attended by several thousand people. This proved to be a major event that helped raise awareness about childhood cancer. Many members of our group helped with the planning and building of our first ever float for the parade. A big thank you goes to Pat Bishop for donating his time, trailer and truck for the event.
Fundraising for the year wrapped up with members of Conquer Childhood Cancer Now participating in the Elder-Beerman Community Day Coupon Book Sales.
