LRCF Newsroom
Uniting Our Community - Helping Those In Need
Newsroom Archives
Find recent and archived news, publicity, and announcements of the Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation activities and functions. External links will open in a new tab.
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Sep 18
Rhodes Foundation Celebration Of Life Well Attended
Posted by fundraising admin September 18, 2023
September 16th was the annual Celebration of Life Festival to benefit the Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation. We’ve been actively fundraising for 10 years for LRCF. As you can see it was a busy evening full of fun, laughter, fellowship, and honoring loved ones. Over 400 luminaries were bought to honor or remember a loved one who’s battled cancer. The music, speakers, and weather were perfect!! THANK YOU to everyone who attended, participated, donated, and VOLUNTEERED to make it a successful event. Because of you, the LRCF can continue to support and help the citizens of Bond County going through cancer treatment. If you’d be interested in helping fundraise and participate in events like these, please contact us by phone or social media! We welcome anyone!
WGEL 101.7 FM Daily News reports:
The 2023 Bond County Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation Celebration of Life was held Saturday with a good crowd in attendance.
Patti Brooks, from the foundation, said the event went very well at Tom Doll Soccer Field in Greenville. She said the weather was great and the night was peaceful. She noted many came to see their little ones perform and many stayed for the night. Patti said there used to be less than 100 luminaries at the event and this year had over 300. She praised Bond County for coming to their aid.
Throughout the three and one-half hours, before the luminary ceremony, many participated in the kids’ games, the popular cake walk, ate food from St. Lawrence Youth Group and The Giggling Pig, and enjoyed music from DJ Brad Rogers, Greenville Elementary School Students, and Warren Evans Acoustic.
Brooks emphasized donations to the foundation can be made throughout the year. She said the need is great right now and donations are always accepted. Their website has all of the information you’ll need to know.
Hear sound bytes from Brooks, and view additional photos at WGEL 101.7 FM Daily News.
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Sep 17
Young Cancer Survivor Delivers Game Ball At Volley For Cure Match
Posted by fundraising admin September 17, 2023
The annual Volley For The Cure volleyball match was held Thursday night, September 14, in Greenville between the Lady Comets and Vandalia Vandals. All proceeds from the auction, silent auction, and other activities at Volley For The Cure go to the Bond County Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation. One of the game balls was purchased by a Vandalia fan for $900.
Prior to the varsity action, an emotional scene occurred at midcourt, as cancer survivor Ambrea Doll was recognized and delivered the game ball. Ambrea walked across the court to give the ball to the officials. She also went home with a couple of souvenirs. GHS parents purchased the autographed game ball and an autographed t-shirt and gave them to her.
Volley For Cure Match Results: Greenville and Vandalia battled on the volleyball court at Greenville High School. Vandalia pulled out a victory in the varsity match. The Lady Comets won the first game, 25-19, then Vandalia took the next two, 25-21, 26-24.
Greenville won the junior varsity contest. After the Lady Comets took the first game 25-12, the Lady Vandals forced a third game with a 25-18 decision. In the final game, Greenville came out on top 15-11.
Freshman action started the night. Vandalia won 21-17 and 22-20.
View additional photos at WGEL 101.7 FM Daily News.
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Sep 14
2023 Pie Auction Tops $28,000
Posted by fundraising admin September 14, 2023
Wow! Wow! Thank you Wgel Radio, all the pie bakers, the local celebrities who participated this week in the Pie Auction, and a BIG THANK YOU to all of you who donated and bought pies over the past 3 days. $28,197.00 was raised and will stay right here in Bond County to help those in need going through a cancer diagnosis. #LRCF #fundraising #helpingthosewithcancer😍🥰
The first day, Tuesday, of WGEL’s annual Great Celebrity Pie Auction, was a smashing success. Together, those folks, with the help of our community, brought in $5,212 to benefit the Lem Rhodes Cancer Foundation to help them in their mission to support local folks battling cancer! Day two, Wednesday, was another huge success! Our community rallied to raise another $8,000, bringing our two-day total to $13,212! Thank you, Bond County! After an unbelievable third day, the total for this year’s WGEL Great Celebrity Pie Auction came to $28,197! That includes thousands of dollars of donations, over and above the winning pie pids! We want to thank our community for getting behind this effort and supporting the Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation.
Bakers on Tuesday kicked off with special guests Bond County Clerk Meg Sybert, State’s Attorney Dora Man & Coroner Tony Brooks; Mulberry Grove Jr./Sr. High Principal/Athletic Director Adam Haston & Unit 1 Superintendent Casie Bowman; Tim Watson and Delmar Mills from Hecht Chevrolet Vandalia; Greenville First Christian Church Pastor Tyson Graber & WGEL Farm Reporter Joe Doll; Bond County Health Department Administrator Sean Eifert and Patti Brooks & Gina Goldsmith with the LRCF; and County Board Members Wes Pourchot & Jacob Rayl.
Bakers Wednesday included State Representative Charlie Meier; Unit 2 Superintendent Wes Olson & Pocahontas Principal Chad Nelson; Lauren Koch & Megan Eyman from The FNB Community Bank; Greenville Economic Development Director Bill Walker & City Social Media Specialist Mia Emken and Rosie Baker from the Freckled Press; and Elaine McNamara, Chamber Executive Director & Director of Greenville SMART and Greenville Chamber President Curt Thacker!
Guests on Thursday were Bond County Treasurer Colleen Camp; Comets Basketball Coach Todd Cantrill & Lady Comets Basketball Coach Quin Hammann; Bond County Chief Deputy Josh Hill & Greenville Police Department Student Resource Office Taylor Hill; and Brady Huber and Mike Ennen from Bradford National Bank.
Thanks go out to everyone who baked a pie for those folks, made a bid, coordinated bids for your work, etc. It is a true community effort to benefit a great cause!
A reminder, their annual Celebration of Life will be on Tom Doll Field this Saturday, September 16, from 4 to 8 PM.
Read this story at WGEL 101.7 FM Daily News.
Photos contributed by Lady Comets Basketball, Elaine McNamara, and Bradford National Bank.
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Sep 27
LRCF Holds Luminary Ceremony
Posted by fundraising admin September 27, 2022
Thanks to all those who came out last night to the LRCF Luminary event, A Night To Honor and Remember, September 24th at the Bond County courthouse lawn. Over 260 luminaries were bought to honor or remember a loved one who’s battled cancer. The music, speakers, and weather were perfect!! Thank you to ALL the volunteers it takes to put on an event such as this. If you’d be interested in helping fundraise and participate in events like these, please contact us by phone or social media! We welcome anyone!
WGEL 101.7 FM Daily News reports:
The luminary program, “A Night To Honor and Remember,” was held Saturday evening on the Bond County Courthouse lawn by the Bond County Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation.
Community members gathered to remember those who lost their battle to cancer and recognize area residents currently facing the disease.
Two-hundred and fifty three lighted luminaries were placed around the courthouse.
Warren Evans performed three songs, then Luminary Chair Jane Wilhite gave thank-yous.
She recognized the generous people of Bond County, WGEL for publicity and the pie auction, the Bond County Fair royalty who participated, the LRCF Fundraising Committee, all LRCF volunteers, and her husband.
Guest speaker Ski Lirios, told the story about the cancer battle her husband, Jose, has gone through.
She expressed her appreciation to the cancer foundation. She thanked God for his reminders that He is with us as we overcome obstacles; her friends, family, church, and community for their support and prayers; Karen Kessinger, with the LRCF, for helping Ski and Jose know what resources were available to them. She said the foundation was quick to respond and help when they reached out to them. She said the foundation’s care, concern, and willingness to help was greatly appreciated.
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Sep 21
2022 Pie Auction Total Comes To $21,362
Posted by fundraising admin September 21, 2022
THANK YOU BOND COUNTY and WGEL Radio for the continued support of the Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation! Wow!! 😍🥰 On Day One, Monday, of WGEL’s Great Celebrity Pie Auction, our bakers brought in a total of $6,535. That number includes all winning bids and over $600 in additional donations on top of the bids. In addition, $1,100 came in which will be given directly to Brody Haston and his family as he receives treatment for liver cancer. The community answered the call again Tuesday – our Day Two total was $5,685! With donations figured in, the total for Day Three, the final day of the auction, was $9,142. That makes a three-day total of $21,362 raised by the greater Bond County community to benefit the Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation in their mission to help local folks battling cancer.
Bakers on Monday kicked off with special guests Bond County Clerk Meg Sybert; State’s Attorney Dora Man; Coroner Tony Brooks; Mulberry Grove Elementary Principal Chad Nelson; Unit 1 Superintendent Casie Bowman; Greenville Tourism Director Jes Adam; Economic Development Director Bill Walker; First Christian Church Pastor Tyson Graber; WGEL Farm Reporter Joe Doll; Health Dept. Administrator Sean Eifert; and Patti Brooks and Gina Goldsmith from the Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation.
Bakers Tuesday included GES Principal Eric Swingler; GHS Principal Kara Harris; Unit 2 Superintendent Wes Olson; Pocahontas Principal Jason Rakers; Meagan Eyman and Lauren Robison from the FNB Community Bank; Tim Watson from Hecht Chevrolet Vandalia; and Greenville Chamber Executive Director and Director of Greenville SMART Elaine McNamara and Chamber President Curt Thacker.
Guests on Wednesday were Bond County Treasurer Colleen Camp and County Board Member Wes Pourchot; Comets Basketball Coach Todd Cantrill and Lady Comets Basketball Coach Quinton Hammann; Bond County Sheriff Jim Leitschuh and Greenville Police Chief Stefan Neece; Brady Huber and Randy Alderman from Bradford National Bank.
Thanks go out to everyone who baked a pie for those folks, made a bid, coordinated bids for your work, etc. It is a true community effort to benefit a great cause!
A reminder, the foundation will present “A Night To Honor and Remember,” Saturday, September 24 on the Bond County Courthouse lawn. Luminaries will be on sale from 5 to 7:30pm and the luminary ceremony will follow with special guest spaker Ski Lirios. Special music will be provided by Warren Evans. The event is taking the place of the Celebration of Life and Survivor’s Dinner, which had normally been held each year.
Read this story at WGEL 101.7 FM Daily News.
Photos contributed by PES Indians, Elaine McNamara, and Bradford National Bank.
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May 21
14U Baseball “Pink Game” Raises $270
Posted by fundraising admin May 21, 2022
A special THANK YOU to local 14U baseball teams: Bond County Thunder and Vandalia Vandals! On Wednesday night, May 11th, the teams played a game in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness. It was held at the ballpark in Pocahontas. A 50/50 drawing after the game, plus brats, hotdogs and pork burgers profits went to Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation! Pocahontas Little League players operated the concession stand with a portion of the proceeds also going towards the fundraiser. Altogether, they raised $270. We really appreciate the generosity of these kids, coaches, parents, and other fans! It really helps!
Above: Bond County Thunder 14U and Vandalia 14U Vandals baseball teams sport their "Strike Out Breast Cancer" shirts while raising funds for LRCF.
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Sep 23
Greenville Teams Take 1 of 3 Matches at Volleyball Fundraiser
Posted by fundraising admin September 23, 2021
Thanks to Greenville High School Comets and Vandalia schools for participating in the Volley for a Cure evening last week, September 16, 2021. A silent auction helped to raise quite a bit of funds for LRCF! We are so thankful for the continued support of our community! Thank you!
From I70Sports.com: The Vandalia Lady Vandals beat the Greenville Lady Comets 25-13, 25-13 in the annual Volley for a Cure match between the two teams. This year’s match was played in Greenville with proceeds from the donations taken instead of admission being charged going to Greenville School Nurse Carissa Bohannon who is just beginning a fight against breast cancer and proceeds from the silent and live auction items raised going to the Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation. In the JV match, Greenville was the winner in three sets while Vandalia won the Frosh match in three sets.
Above: Over $4000 was raised from the silent auction baskets and presented to Patti Brooks from the LRCF fundraising committee the first week of October.
Above: The volleyball teams! Below: Maura Campbell from the fundraising committee spoke about what LRCF does for the Bond County community.
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Sep 21
Ceremony Honors Those Who Have Fought Cancer
Posted by fundraising admin September 21, 2021
Thanks to all who came out last night to the LRCF Luminary event September 18th at the Bond County courthouse lawn to honor or remember someone who’s battled cancer. Thank you to Sally Bolen for being the guest speaker. Thank you to all those who bought luminaries and made donations. Thank you to the Bond County Fair queens for helping as well as the numerous volunteers who helped display and light the luminaries. Thanks goes to the LRCF fundraising committee who continues to fundraise for this tremendous cause that is helping our friends, families, and neighbors who are going through a cancer diagnosis in Bond County. If you’d be interested in helping fundraise and participate in events like these, please contact us by phone or social media! We welcome anyone!
Steven Stilt of The Greenville Advocate reports:
Community members gathered Saturday evening to remember those lost to cancer, support those fighting the disease, and encourage one another. The Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation presented “A Night to Honor and Remember,” featuring the lighting of more than 265 luminarias encircling the Bond County Courthouse and a message from [former Greenville resident] Sally Bolen.
Bolen said her own battle with cancer has shifted her perspective and taught her many lessons, including the need to focus on what is truly important and the power of a positive attitude. “Can we choose happiness while dealing with cancer? Yes, we can,” she said. “Count your blessings—we have far more than you recognize.”
She said the paper luminaria bags are a fitting symbol for those who have found cancer. “Our outer shell is fragile. It takes little to cause damage,” she said. “The one thing that makes luminaries special is on the inside. It’s the fire within that makes all of us unique. It lights the world, and it provides a lighted path for ourselves. “At the end, the last fire can be the brightest, lighting the way for others. We are not defined by cancer, but we are refined by it.”
The ceremony concluded with the reading of the names written on the luminaria bags—each in honor or in remembrance of someone who has battled cancer.
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Jun 18
Round Up At The Register Brings Over $1k
Posted by fundraising admin June 18, 2021
Special thank you to Capri IGA - Greenville for doing Round Up At The Register May 31 through June 12 for Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation!! And THANK YOU to the community that helped contribute to the $1,216.87 raised over 2 weeks time! We can never thank you enough for your support.
Pictured L-R is Tyler Adams with IGA presenting the check to fundraising committee member Patti Brooks.
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Sep 12
Pie Auction Raises Over $20,000 For LRCF
Posted by fundraising admin September 12, 2021
THANK YOU BOND COUNTY and WGEL Radio for the continued support of the Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation! Wow!! 😍🥰 WGEL ended their Celebrity Pie Auction Thursday with a grand total of $20,100 raised to benefit the Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation. Bakers on Thursday included Sorento Principal Amy Jackson & Pocahontas Principal Jason Rakers; Bond County Sheriff Jim Leitschuh & Greenville Police Chief Scott Workman; Bond County Treasurer Colleen Camp & County Board Member Jacob Rayl; and Dusty Bauer and Chris Barth from Bradford National Bank. They brought in a combined total of $7,050.
Bakers Tuesday included Bond County Clerk Meg Sybert, State’s Attorney Dora Mann, and Coroner Tony Brooks; GES Principal Eric Swingler, GJHS Principal Gary Brauns, and GHS Principal Kara Harris; Greenville Mayor George Barber and Tourism Director Jes Adam; Greenville First Christian Church Pastor Tyson Graber and WGEL Farm Reporter Joe Doll; and Bond County Health Department Administrator Sean Eifert and Patti Brooks with the Lem Rhodes Cancer Foundation Board. Together, their pies brought in a total of $6,425 to benefit the Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation!!!
Guests on Wednesday were Lady Comets Basketball Coach Kolin Dothager & Comets Basketball Coach Todd Cantrill; Unit 2 Superintendent Wes Olson; Unit 1 Superintendent Bobby Koontz; MGES Principal Casie Bowman; Bill Walker & Courtney Dalman from The FNB Community Bank; Gerald “Spanky” McCray & Adam Boudouris of the Bond County Board; and Greenville Chamber President Noel Harnetiaux and Elaine McNamara, Chamber Executive Director & Director of Greenville SMART. Together, those folks, and YOU, raised a total of $6,625.
Thanks so much to all of our pie bakers and to our community for stepping up to raise an amazing amount of money to benefit the Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation in their efforts to help local folks in their battle with cancer.
The foundation is conducting a luminary ceremony, titled “A Night To Honor and Remember,” on Saturday, September 18 on the Bond County Courthouse lawn. The event is taking the place of the Celebration of Life and Survivor’s Dinner, normally held every year.
Read this story at WGEL 101.7 FM Daily News.
Photos contributed by Bri Dothager, Bond County Realtors, Elaine McNamara, and Bradford National Bank.
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Nov 24
200 Virtual Luminaries
Posted by fundraising admin November 24, 2020
On September 26, 2020, Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation conducted a virtual luminary ceremony on our Facebook Page.
We posted almost 200 luminaries in memory and in honor of those who have battled cancer. We thank you so much for making donations and providing your loved ones names to make this possible. The LRCF continues to fundraise and help support people right here in Bond County who are going through cancer treatments! Our hope is that one day there will be a cure.
We hope this virtual ceremony touched your hearts. We know each one of those listed, was someone dear to your hearts. These names will also be in the Greenville Advocate too in an upcoming issue! Thanks to all of you that submitted your names via mail or via FB. Thank you for your continued support Bond County to the Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation! God Bless You!
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Nov 3
LRCF Receives Cargill Cares Donation
Posted by fundraising admin November 3, 2020
Recently, the Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation was chosen to be a recipient of a $5000 donation from Cargill INC, a diverse agricultural and industrial company, through the Cargill Cares grant program. Local farmers Mike and Diane Bingham, who sell a portion of their grain through Cargill, submitted an application and were pleasantly surprised to hear that LRCF was chosen!! This money will help offset any losses from fundraising this 2020 year due to COVID-19. And this is not even the first donation LRCF has received this year from corporate giving! The money stays right here and will help local Bond County cancer patients with medical expenses, etc. Thanks to Cargill and the Binghams for caring about LRCF!!
Pictured L-R is Mike and Diane Bingham presenting the check to fundraising committee/board member Jane Wilhite.
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Sep 15
Virtual Luminary Ceremony for LRCF to be held Sept. 26
Posted by fundraising admin September 15, 2020
The Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation holds an annual festival and a cancer survivor’s dinner in September each year. But this year, due to COVID-19, the situation is different. The foundation is cancelling the celebration of life and survivor’s dinner because many of those who typically attend have compromised immune systems, and it would not be prudent to gather and celebrate at this time.
The foundation will conduct a virtual luminary ceremony to light up Facebook on Saturday, Sept. 26, starting at 7 p.m. They welcome anyone and everyone to submit a luminary name(s) that will be posted via Facebook that evening. This is a way to recognize those who have won their battle with cancer and honor those who have since passed on.
The Lemuel Rhodes foundation’s website, lemuelrhodes.org, has a luminary form that may be used for submitting a name, or a name may be mailed to Jane Wilhite at 406 W Spring Ave, Greenville, IL 62246. You may also submit a luminary name via Facebook directly by message to the Facebook page: Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation.
There is no charge this year, although a suggested donation is $5 per luminary. These names will also be in the Greenville Advocate in an LRCF ad at a later date to honor those people.
Fundraising efforts have been very different this year and are slower than usual, although we still have had some very generous donations from the community. Bill Walker raised funds with his cheerleading efforts (check out our Facebook page for the video!). Frank Watson also contributed by holding a birthday fundraiser to benefit LRCF. Bradford Bank, Midland State Bank, and New Wave Communications all provided LRCF with grant money, and the Bond County CEO class of 2020 donated proceeds to the organization as well. The WGEL Great Celebrity Pie Auction will take place next spring.
Thank you to those who have donated this year and in years past to the Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation. We look forward to ramping up fundraising efforts in 2021 and having an even better and better Celebration of Life and cancer Survivors’ dinner!
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Aug 3
Care Baskets Offer More Than Simple Comfort
Posted by fundraising admin August 3, 2020
The LRCF has had several applicants this year and something new that the fundraising committee has helped to put together are Care Baskets that are filled with items they might need to help them along their battle with cancer. The response from recipients and their families so far has been very appreciative. One is quoted saying, “Having people thinking of you at a time like this means a lot.” Items include: snacks, LRCF t shirt, chapstick, hand sanitizer, lotion, and even a blanket! Special thanks to Kelli Lahr for helping make the fleece blankets, the 11 members of the Black Diamond quilting guild for the lap quilts, and to Karen Kessinger for putting the baskets together. Just something special to help them along the way.
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June 17
@BondCoSportsguy Follows Through on Fundraising Goal Promise: Performs As Cheerleader!
Posted by fundraising admin June 17, 2020
Here it is folks!! The moment you have been waiting for. Special thanks to Bill Walker for being a great sport, the GHS cheerleaders and coaches for promoting this fundraiser, and to all of Y.O.U. for donating almost $4000 to Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation!!! We are humbled by your generosity. Thank you so much. #LRCF #fundraising #ghscometscheerleading #helpingthosewithcancer #bocorocks
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May 17
Greenville High School Cheer Raises over $3000: Bill Walker, @BondCoSportsguy, Trains to Perform a Special Cheer
Posted by fundraising admin May 17, 2020
Greenville Comets Cheerleading has been cheering for a cause and asking all of Bond County to pitch in! Consider making a donation to the Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation. The goal was just $1000 and the one and only Bill Walker agreed to dress and perform as a Comet Cheerleader. Plus maybe even dance to the school song?! Bill is THE Bond County Sports Guy, a sports photographer, Economic Development Coordinator at the City of Greenville, and a fantastic guy! We’ve follwed Bill’s preparation and training, and now that Cheer has raised over three times the original goal, we await the reward! Time to cheer your bows off, Bill!
Want to see @BondCoSportsguy become a Comet cheerleader?! The girls have some advice for Bill!
— Greenville HS Cheer (@GVilleCheer) May 12, 2020
HELP US REACH OUR GOAL
📩 Donate to The Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation.
🎀 Cheer for a Cause - 405 S 5th Str Greenville, IL 62246 pic.twitter.com/Fb4rGpd1TA -
Nov 5
Volley for the Cure raises $4k
Posted by fundraising admin November 5, 2019
Prior to the Greenville High School girls’ volleyball banquet this week, Lady Comets Coach Amanda O’Regan presented a check to the Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation. The check totaled $4,000, which was raised during this year’s Volley for the Cure event at GHS. O’Regan expressed her thanks to the Vandalia coaching staff and everyone involved in organizing this year’s Volley for the Cure.
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Oct 1
LRCF Celebration of Life Raises $48,328
Posted by fundraising admin October 1, 2019
Thank you to the Bond County Community for the AMAZING support of the Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation. Last Saturday night alone, we raised over $5,300 during the “Celebration of Life” and in the past year, our total was over $48,000! A special thanks goes to ALL the volunteers who helped to put this event on. It was a terrific night!
The Greenville Advocate reports: “We are so blessed and thankful for the people of this community who showed up tonight and supported us in so many ways this past year,” said Patti Brooks, who, along with Gina Goldsmith, are co-chairs of the organization’s fundraising committee. “This event puts us that much closer to finding a cure. And that’s what it’s all about.”
This year’s festival, which closed out the fundraising year for the LRCF, had a 1960s theme... As a result, several participants sported tie-dye shirts, bell-bottom pants, and other clothing items from that colorful era. Fourteen-year-old Kaitlyn Washburn of Greenville won the limbo contest; Katie Campbell, also fourteen of Greenville, was the winner of the Hula Hoop contest.
Featured speaker, Brenda Lohman, a cancer survivor, told about her journey with cancer. “My doctor told me: Once a cancer patient, always a cancer patient,” she recalled. “At first, I couldn’t understand what she meant, but it eventually became clear. Even after a cancer free diagnosis, there are follow-up visits, ongoing testing, and there are some side-effects that never go away... But tonight, we’re all here as survivors, either as a cancer survivor ourselves or as a caregiver for someone battling cancer. Let’s talk with each other, let’s cry with each other, let’s pray with each other, let’s lift each other up.”
At the end of the “Celebration of Life” Festival, a luminary ceremony was held with dozens of lighted luminaries in memory of those who have passed away or in honor of those who are living. “Each of these luminaries represents a treasure — a loved one,” Patti Brooks said. “Each has a name and a story to tell. We’re all pulling together against this terrible disease.”
Hear sound bytes from the featured speaker Brenda Lohman at WGEL 101.7 FM Daily News.
Find many more photos from the 2019 Celebration of Life event on our photo gallery page, our official Facebook page, and the Greenville Advocate’s SmugMug Gallery.
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Sep 26
$18,318 Raised In 2019 Pie Auction To Benefit LRCF
Posted by fundraising admin September 26, 2019
Another WGEL Great Celebrity Pie Auction is in the history books and it was a banner year! We had an amazing start to the 2019 Great Celebrity Pie Auction on WGEL! Thanks to our pie bakers and our generous community, the day-one total was $6,260! Our pie bakers on Tuesday were MGHS Principal Bobby Koontz, GHS Principal Kara Harris, GES Principal Eric Swingler, GJHS Principal Gary Brauns, Dusty Bauer & Chris Barth from the FNB Community Bank, Tim Watson from Arthur Young Chevrolet, and Bond County Sheriff Jim Leitschuh.
Wednesday morning brought in $5,498, thanks to our second day pie bakers: Sorento Principal Amy Jackson, Pocahontas Principal Jason Rakers, Tyson Graber of the Greenville First Christian Church, WGEL Farm Reporter Joe Doll, Bond County Board Member Gerald “Spanky” McCray, Greenville Economic Development Director Bill Walker & Greenville Tourism Director Jes Adam.
Day Three total Thursday came to $6,560 as we hosted Bond County State’s Attorney Dora Mann, Lady Comets Basketball Coach Kolin Dothager & Boys’ Coach Todd Cantrill, Greenville Police Chief Scott Workman, Bond County Health Department Administrator Sean Eifert, and Bradford National Bank President Mike Ennen & Community Relations Director Randy Alderman.
That brings our three-day total for the pie auction to $18,318 — all to benefit the Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation in their mission to help local folks in their battle with cancer.
Wow! We are amazed at the response from this year’s Wgel Radio pie auction. Thank you Bond County. We hope to see you Saturday night at our big Celebration of Life Festival!!
Thank you to WGEL radio station, all the celebrity pie bakers, and the generosity that was shown the past 3 days during the pie auction. All of this money raised is being donated to the Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation to assist local folks in their battle with cancer. Thanks to everyone who bid and bought pies, thanks to those who baked pies, and thanks to those who made donations.
Read this story at WGEL 101.7 FM Daily News.
Photos contributed by FNB Community Bank, Bill Walker, and Bradford National Bank.
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Sep 20
LRCF Traveling Back To 1960s For Annual Celebration
Posted by fundraising admin September 20, 2019
The Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation is holding its annual Celebration of Life Festival on Saturday, September 28th at the American Farm Heritage Museum in Greenville. This event is open to the public as The LRCF celebrates cancer survivors and honors those who have lost their battle. In recognition of the 50th anniversary of Woodstock, this year’s theme is The 1960s. The LRCF has also been selling raffle tickets all summer for a 1966 Ford Galaxie, donated in memory of Connie Borror and Jason Sugg. The car will be given away that night.
In keeping with the theme, you are encouraged to come dressed in your 1960s attire. There will be Best Dressed contests for hippies and flower children. Other activities include hula hoop and limbo contests, 1960s trivia and music, and a photo booth that will bring back memories of that special decade. The popular bake walk also returns.
Bounce houses and games will be available to kids for a nominal fee. Triple T Grill and Chill Food Truck will provide food and the Prairie Farms ice cream wagon will also be there.
All activities are inside the American Farm Heritage Museum’s big building. Doors open at 4:30pm and the opening ceremony will start at 5pm. Special music by Mulberry Grove Elementary students. The featured speaker is Brenda Lohman, cancer survivor and LRCF recipient. The night concludes with a luminary ceremony honoring those who have fought the cancer battle. Everyone is welcome to enjoy a fun evening with many poignant moments.
The Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation is a non-profit organization that helps cancer patients in Bond County with a variety of medical expenses that insurance doesn’t cover.
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Jun 26
WIN THIS CAR! LRCF Raffling Classic
Posted by fundraising admin June 26, 2019
The Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation (LRCF) is raffling a 1966 Ford Galaxie 500 that was donated in the memory of Connie Borror and Jason Sugg, both of whom lost their battle with cancer.
The 4-door car is white in color, with new tires, a rebuilt transmission, and extensive interior and exterior renovations. Among the unique features of the 1966 Galaxie are the vertically stacked dual headlights.
Tickets may be purchased for $20 each or 3 for $50. Tickets will be sold at several upcoming events including the Bond County Fourth Fest on July 6; the Pocahontas Picnic on July 13; the Bond County Fair; and the Mulberry Grove Homecoming on August 10. The car will be on display at all of the events where tickets are sold.
Updates will be posted on the Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation’s Facebook page. The winner will be drawn at the LRCF Celebration of Life on September 28. The winner need not be present to win.
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May 4
Way to Go Walker Photography For Your Support!
Posted by fundraising admin May 4, 2019
THANK YOU, Walker Photography, for the very generous donation to the Lem Rhodes Cancer Foundation! Tonight was a great night of fundraising for LRCF. which also included funds from the car cruise food stand and 50-50 drawing. Our community is such a supportive one!
From Walker Photography: “I can’t thank these wonderful high school students and their families for participating in making this a reality to benefit Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation. With today’s session along with a few from last week with students attending the Mulberry Grove prom, $605 was raised for LRCF. And as our part, Walker Photography will be adding $195 to the donation, to make the total $800 to benefit Bond County residents fighting cancer. Thank you to everyone involved in what we hope can become a new tradition.”
Photos contributed by Walker Photography on Facebook
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Mar 15
LRCF Thanks VFW Post 1377 for Their Support!
Posted by fundraising admin March 15, 2019
Bond County VFW Post 1377 recently presented checks to two local organizations. Post Commander Max Sussenbach presented a $500 check to Rex Catron of the Bond County Independence Day Festival Association to benefit the upcoming Fourth Fest and a $500 check to Mike Wilhite of the Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation (in photo on right) for the benefit of community members battling cancer.
Thanks VFW Post 1377! #LRCF #thankyousomuch
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Oct 4
Annual LRCF Survivor’s Dinner Held
Posted by fundraising admin October 4, 2018
Tuesday evening (Oct 2, 2018), was the annual LRCF Survivor’s dinner at the St. Lawrence Catholic Church hall. A special dinner was served and prizes were given. It was an evening of fellowship and honoring those who have/or had cancer. Thanks to the fundraising committee for coordinating and to all who came. #LRCF #fundraising #helpingthosewithcancer #survivors
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Oct 1
LRCF Celebration of Life Draws Good Crowd
Posted by fundraising admin October 1, 2018
The annual Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation Celebration of Life was Saturday at the Farm Heritage Museum. During the closing ceremony, Mike Wilhite presented the good news that fundraising during the past year has exceeded $60,000, well over the goal of $42,000. The number announced Saturday was $61,733, but Wilhite noted it was not a final number.
The celebration honored those who are battling cancer and those who have lost their battle. The majority of funds raised by the foundation are used to assist Bond County cancer patients with 10 percent donated for cancer research.
At the Celebration of Life event Saturday for the Lem Rhodes Cancer Foundation, two guest speakers stepped to the microphone. Dr. Brian Van Tine, from the Siteman Cancer Center in St. Louis, spoke during the opening ceremony. He said events such as the Rhodes Celebration are very inspiring and make a difference. He said the small group gathered Saturday was part of a large group. He said he hopes that someday he won’t have his job.
Bond County resident Karen Willmann spoke during the closing luminary ceremony. She told her story about battling lung cancer and said the disease has brought her closer to God.
Thanks to Jane Doll Wilhite who puts on the luminary ceremony each year. She does an excellent job and it is so meaningful. Bond County Fair Queen Kallie Gan was one of several volunteers who assisted Jane during the event this year. A special photo video was made and shown to all right before the ceremony.
While many people enjoyed fellowship through eating together, listening to musical acts, playing kids games and having their faces painted, throughout the Celebration of Life, the focus was honoring those with cancer, the survivors, and those who have lost their battle to the disease.
Find many more photos from the 2018 Celebration of Life event on our photo gallery page, our official Facebook page, and the Greenville Advocate’s SmugMug Gallery.
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Sep 26
2018 WGEL Pie Auction Brings $13,545 To Benefit LRCF
Posted by fundraising admin September 26, 2018
The 2018 WGEL Pie Auction is in the history books and it was another great success thanks to the generosity of our community! Day One brought in a total of $3,600. Tuesday morning brought in $3,850. Day Three total Wednesday came to $5,895... bringing this year’s overall pie auction total to $13,545 — all to benefit the Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation.
Wow... what an amazing amount of support from the folks of Bond County. Thank you to WGEL radio station, all the celebrity pie bakers, and the generosity that was shown the past 3 days during the pie auction. All of this money raised is being donated to the Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation to assist local folks in their battle with cancer.
Thanks to all of our pie bakers this year. The group included... Mike Wilhite from the Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation; Pocahontas School Principal Jason Rakers; Sorento School Principal Kara Harris; Mulberry Grove Elementary School Principal Casie Bowman; Unit 1 Superintendent Stephen Phillips; Emily Hartmann from the Bond County Soil & Water Conservation District; Kyle Johnson From the BCSWD & Bond County Farm Bureau Boards; Greenville Elementary School Principal Eric Swingler; Greenville Jr. High Principal Gary Brauns; Bond County Health Department Administrator Sean Eifert; Greenville Economic Development Director Bill Walker; Dusty Bauer from The First National Bank; Tim Watson from Arthur Young Chevrolet; Comets Head Football Coach Todd Huthcinson; Comets Basketball Coach Todd Cantrill; Pastor Tyson Graber of the Greenville First Christian Church; WGEL Farm Reporter Joe Doll; Joe Whalen from the Greenville Knights of Columbus; and Bradford National Bank President Doug Stroud.
Most of all, thanks to everyone who bid on or bought a pie, and for the many outright donations that were made as part of this effort.
Read this story at WGEL 101.7 FM Daily News.
Photos contributed by First National Bank and Ashley Heckman: the Pie Junkie.
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Aug 2
Recycle at Ted’s for Local Cancer Patients
Posted by fundraising adminAugust 2, 2018
Did you know that the LRCF has partnered with Ted’s Recycling in Mulberry Grove on fundraising? Bring your recycled material there and they will accept any metal or aluminum. Then just tell them the donation is for Lemuel Rhodes and you can leave your name if you choose. It’s that easy! #LRCF #fundraising #recycling
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Jul 16
And the winner is.... “Rollin’ with My Ladies”
Posted by fundraising adminJuly 16, 2018
The 2nd annual Lem Rhodes Scavenger Hunt is in the books. We had a lot of fun!!!! Thanks for the teams that participated and a very special Thank You to Tony and Tammy Gan at Family Vine. #LRCF #scavengerhunt #helpingthosewithcancer
Medals were presented to the winners this year! Special thanks to the GES/GJHS team for putting together the scavenger hunt.
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Apr 20
Comets & Vandals Strikeout Cancer Fundraiser
Posted by fundraising adminApril 20, 2018
The Lady Comets and The Lady Vandals held a Strikeout Cancer “pink” high school softball games April 4 and 17 to support Cancer Foundations in Bond and Fayette counties. Money from tee shirt sales and concessions during the games were donated. These gals raised $250 from shirt sales alone!
Greenville and Vandalia played softball at Greenville on Monday, April 4, presenting a donation check to Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation. A second pink game was played in Vandalia Tuesday, April 17; money raised there went to the Fayette County Cancer Foundation. So proud of The Lady Comets and Lady Vandals!
It is an amazing thing when youth, usually conference competitors, can come together for something like this. While topped by the Vandals in these two games, much good luck coming your way from LRCF, Lady Comets, on the remainder of your season!!!
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Mar 15
LRCF Kickoff Event
Posted by fundraising admin March 15, 2018
The Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation held its fundraising kickoff event Tuesday evening at the Greenville Free Methodist Church. Approximately 50 cancer survivors and caregivers gathered for a meal and program.
Jane Wilhite was chairman of the kickoff event. She said the group usually ends their year with a survivor’s dinner. Last year survivors thought it would be nice to gather more often, so they came up with the kickoff dinner. This year, a free pasta dinner was held for survivors, board members, and anyone who is interested in learning more about the LRCF and what the fundraising crew does.
Several fundraisers are planned throughout the year until the Celebration of Life Festival is held on September 29. The next survivor’s dinner is October 2.
This year’s fundraising goal is $45,000 after more than $46,000 was raised in 2017. All money assisted Bond County residents battling cancer.
Listen to a sound byte from Wilhite at WGEL 101.7 FM Daily News.
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Jan 10
LRCF 2017 Fundraising Gives 10% Donation To Research
Posted by fundraising adminJanuary 10, 2018
Each year 10% of our fundraising efforts is donated to a research facility. Mike (right) and Jane (left) Wilhite dropped off a check at Siteman Cancer Center to help fund cancer research being done by Dr. Brian Van Tine. Thank you for your continued support!
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Nov 5
LRCF Thanks Highland-Pierron FPD for Their Support!
Posted by fundraising admin November 5, 2017
Thanks to Jessica Zobrist from the Highland-Pierron Fire Protection District for coordinating sales of specialty t-shirts and for the $1,000 donation to the Lem Rhodes Cancer Foundation. The LRCF has had many donations this year and we are so thankful and appreciative of them all. Thanks to everyone for your support. Pictured below is Gina Goldsmith and Jessica presenting the donation Sunday, November 5, 2017.
Thanks Highland-Pierron FPD and friends! #LRCF #helpingthosewithcancer #weloveourpartners #donations
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Oct 4
Annual Cancer Survivor’s Dinner
Posted by fundraising admin October 4, 2017
The Lem Rhodes annual cancer Survivor’s dinner was held last night, Oct 3, at the St. Lawrence church hall.
Approximately 130 people were in attendance and enjoyed the dinner, guest speakers, and fellowship. Joseph W. Richardson spoke about his cancer experience and how he’s stronger because of it. Scott Crothers was also a guest speaker.
Special thanks to the volunteers who put the dinner together, Wes Pourchot who donates his time and talents for making the meal, and everyone who attended to make it a special night together. We hope everyone enjoyed the dinner.
Mary Bloemker was the winner of the quilt that was raffled. She was pleasantly surprised as she is a cancer survivor.
Photo credit to John Goldsmith
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Oct 1
LRCF Celebration of Life Draws Good Crowd
Posted by fundraising admin October 1, 2017
The 4th annual LRCF Celebration of Life Festival was held yesterday evening and it did not disappoint. It was a record year all around with a great crowd, dynamite entertainment, a touching luminary ceremony, and record amount of money raised this year. This fundraising year, over $45,000 was raised to help cancer patients that live right here in Bond County! Thank you for everyone’s support of the Lem Rhodes Foundation. We couldn’t do this event without all of the many volunteers that coordinate and put this together and without the support of our VERY giving communities!
Kathy Dionne, guest speaker, spoke about how she was going through cancer treatments and Lem Rhodes was a blessing to her to get through the tough times. Her message was so meaningful and we truly want to help others who are going through the battle with cancer. We thank her for sharing her story.
Randy Simmonds, sister Brandi, and niece Rosa, were EXCELLENT help in planning all the food for the evening’s event! We couldn’t have done this event without them. Your mom would be proud, we know! Thank you!
Anne Langham, committee member, puts the Minute to Win it games together and this year, 15 people signed up to play. It was a lot of fun. Bond County Fair Queen Jenna Koonce was a participant. She also volunteered at the survivor table check in!
Thanks to Jane Doll Wilhite who puts on the luminary ceremony each year. She does an excellent job and it is so meaningful. A special photo video was made by John Donnell and shown to all right before the ceremony.
The $45,000 goal was surpassed by $493. Family members and friends of cancer victims purchased 290 luminaries in honor of those who have lost their battle with cancer and those currently fighting the battle.
Read story and hear a sound byte from co-chair Gina Goldsmith at WGEL 101.7 FM Daily News.
Find many more photos from the 2017 Celebration of Life event on our photo gallery page, our official Facebook page, and the Greenville Advocate’s SmugMug Gallery.
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Sep 27
Pie Auction Brings In Over $14,000!
Posted by fundraising admin September 27, 2017
WGEL’s 2017 Great Celebrity Pie Auction is in the books and after a fantastic third day, our total for this year is $14,381.
Wow.. what an amazing amount of support from the folks of Bond County. Thank you to WGEL radio station, all the celebrity pie bakers, and the generosity that was shown the past 3 days during the pie auction. Over $14,000 is an astounding total and is going to help a lot of people who are battling cancer right here in our communities.
Day One was $3,660. Day Two brought in $3,720. And Day Three had two different pie bakers who brought in over $2,200 each. The Day Three overall total was $7,001. All of this money raised is being donated to the Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation to assist local folks in their battle with cancer.
Thanks to all of our pie bakers this year. The group included... Bobby Koontz & Chad Nelson from the Mulberry Grove Unit 1 School District; Chief Deputy Jim Leitschuh from the Bond County Sheriff’s Department; Jim Hickman of the Greenville Knights of Columbus; Greenville University President Dr. Ivan Filby; Bond County Board Member Gerald “Spanky” McCray; Bond County Unit 2 Superintendent Wes Olson & Mulberry Grove Unit 1 Superintendent Brad Turner; Lady Comets Head Basketball Coach Kolin Dothager & Comets Head Coach Todd Cantrill; Bill Walker, Economic Development Coordinator for the City of Greenville; Christina Staff and Chris Barth from The First National Bank; Tim Watson from Arthur Young Chevrolet in Vandalia; Greenville Elementary School Principal Eric Swingler & Greenville Jr. High School Principal Gary Brauns; Tyson Graber of the Greenville First Christian Church; Pocahontas School Principal Jason Rakers & Sorento School Principal Kara Harris; and Doug Stroud and Randy Alderman from Bradford National Bank.
Thanks again to these folks for participating and most of all, thanks to our generous Bond County Community for their incredible support of this effort and this great cause, the Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation!
Read this story at WGEL 101.7 FM Daily News.
Photos contributed by First National Bank and Bradford National Bank.
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July 15
July Road Rally/Scavenger Hunt Great Success: 1st & 2nd Place Teams Donate Winnings Back to LRCF!
Posted by fundraising admin Jul 15, 2017
The LRCF hosted the first annual Road Rally/Scavenger Hunt this afternoon/evening and it was a great success! 18 teams registered at The Family Vine by 4pm and set off to find many wild and crazy things. Thank you Jane, Anne, Jackie, And Mike for organizing this event. Check out a few more pictures from this event. Thank you to our 1st and 2nd place teams who were given prizes but donated their winnings back to the Lem Rhodes Cancer Foundation!! THANK YOU to all who supported this fundraiser! We were so happy with the turnout. #LRCF #HelpingThoseWithCancer #BondCounty #LemRhodes #scavengerhunt
The winning team! They scored over 1900 points. Incredible.
When I made this chart I NEVER expected we'd have to add a 2nd column. I love living in Bond County.
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May 9
LRCF Surprise-Thanks Sally Bolen of The Rally Team (w/ Greenville First Christian Church)
Posted by fundraising admin May 9, 2017
At our May LRCF fundraising meeting, we surprised one of our volunteers with a special celebration to thank her for her time volunteering for #lemrhodes. Sally Bolen, we appreciate your efforts and wish you and Darryl the very best. We will miss you!! Thank you! #wehavethebestvolunteers #douvolunteer?
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Apr 27
LRCF Thanks Kiwanis Members for Their Support!
Posted by fundraising admin April 27, 2017
The Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation would like to send a special thanks to the Greenville Kiwanis Club for their donation of $150! Co-Chair Patti Brooks spoke to the group in February 2017 at their meeting about LRCF and how the organization is helping those currently battling cancer right here in Bond County. Pictured with Patti Brooks is Kiwanis member Algren Anderson.
Thanks Kiwanis Club! #LRCF #kiwanisdonations #thankyousomuch
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Apr 5
Launch of LRCF Website
Posted by fundraising admin April 5, 2016
The Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation in Bond County, Illinois now has a website to provide information to local residents. The address is www.LemuelRhodes.org.
The website has information about upcoming fundraising events, how to apply for assistance, helpful links, online donations, and how to contact the foundation.
The organization gives financial assistance to Bond County cancer patients. The foundation’s fundraising goal this year is $45,000. The Celebration of Life Festival is scheduled for September 30 at the American Farm Heritage Museum.
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Mar 5
LRCF Kicks Off 2017 Fundraising With 10% Donation To Research
Posted by fundraising admin March 5, 2017
Yesterday, Saturday March 4, was the official kick off event for our Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation fundraising year 2017. A free breakfast was served at the St. Lawrence Church and a short presentation was given explaining what LRCF is and how you can get involved. This year’s fundraising theme was announced as: “Stand By Me”
When the fundraising committee joined up with the LRCF organization, they wanted to put 10% of our money raised to go back to research. In 2016, that amount was $4,000 and is being donated to St. Louis Children’s Hospital for cancer research!! A couple of short videos were shown to show how the money raised will help to find a cure for cancer through research.
Special thanks to all of our LRCF volunteers and those who attended. Thanks to our sponsors of donations as well - Watson’s Drug Store, Schuette Markets, Huddle House, Capri IGA, Prairie Farms, and CVS Pharmacy.
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Nov 27
LRCF Hope Celebration Dinner Honors Survivors and Caregivers
Posted by fundraising admin November 27, 2016
The Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation Hope Celebration Dinner honoring cancer survivors and caregivers was held Saturday, November 26 at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Greenville, Illinois and was sponsored by Midland States Bank of Greenville. Thank you to featured speaker, Sonya Jones - Biggest Loser finalist (pictured front center in black shirt and red pants), and all our LRCF volunteers greeting, cooking, serving, and more!
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Sep 26
WGEL Honored For Sponsoring Years of Pie Auctions
Posted by fundraising admin September 26, 2016
At Saturday’s Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation’s Celebration of Life, WGEL Radio was honored for sponsoring the annual pie auction to raise funds for the foundation.
Darryl Bolen, a long-time participant in the pie auction, presented a certificate of appreciation to Station Manager Tom Kennedy.
Bolen pointed out that the auction has raised over $31,000 over the last three years. He thanked Kennedy for the promotion WGEL gives to good works throughout the community and praised the “benevolent spirit” of Bond County residents.
Kennedy said it is believed the pie auction has been conducted for at least 17 years. In the last three years, all proceeds have gone to the Rhodes Cancer Foundation.
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Sep 26
PHOTOS: LRCF Festival
Posted by fundraising admin September 26, 2016
The Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation held its Celebration of Life event Saturday night at the American Farm Heritage Museum. Many people attended the various activities during the night.
At the end of the event, John Goldsmith said the total amount raised during the past year came to $40,002.75. He told us the group will be able to help many cancer patients in Bond County with those funds.
Over $12,000 of the $40,000 raised came from the WGEL pie auction. During the celebration’s opening ceremony, WGEL was recognized for sponsoring the pie auction for many years.
Greenville Mayor Alan Gaffner issued a proclamation declaring Saturday, September 24 as the Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation’s Celebration of Life Day. All money raised by the foundation is used to assist Bond County cancer patients.
Enjoy some photos a WGEL 101.7 FM reporter took during the event.
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Sep 21
LRCF Festival This Weekend
Posted by fundraising admin September 21, 2016
The Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation (LRCF) will host its 3rd annual Celebration of Life Festival on Saturday, September 24 from 4:00 to 10:00 p.m. in the American Farm Heritage Museum’s main building. The event is the culmination of several months of fundraising for the LRCF, which provides assistance to local cancer patients for items such as medical bills not covered by insurance, assistance with lodging and travel for treatment, and other necessary items.
The Celebration of Life Festival offers food, games, bounce houses, face painting, and live entertainment for all ages. “You’ve Got A Friend” is the theme of this year’s festival.
The opening ceremony, featuring performances by the Greenville Junior High chorus, begins at 5:00 p.m. Magician Chris Carpunky from St. Louis performs at 5:30 p.m. Swamp Weiss and Friends will perform from 6:00 to 6:30 p.m. Kids can meet Mickey Mouse and Hello Kitty from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Several teams will compete in the light-hearted “Minute to Win It” contest from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Local singer Taylor Steele takes the stage from 7:30 to 8:45 p.m. Those attending may also cast their ballot on nearly 20 decorated entries in the Bling Out Your Bra Contest, a new addition to the event.
The evening concludes with a luminary ceremony at 9:00 p.m. Each luminary, which is $5.00, will feature the name of the individual who is being honored. Luminary forms are available in advance by contacting Jane Wilhite. Luminaries will also be sold that evening. Cancer survivors will be honored throughout the night.
Bond County residents are invited to come and learn more about the Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation and to show their support for local people battling cancer. You can follow LRCF activities by searching for Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation on Facebook. Last year, over $53,000 was raised to assist local cancer patients.
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Sep 14
Pie Auction Raises Over $12,000
Posted by fundraising admin September 14, 2016
Another WGEL Great Celebrity Pie Auction is in the history books. What an incredible three days it has been!
Our pie bakers on Monday included Bart Caldieraro from Watson’s Health Mart Drug Store, Sorento Center Principal Bill Carpenter & Pocahontas Center Principal Jason Rakers, Bond County Board Member Gerald “Spanky” McCray, Pat Kious & Dusty Bauer from The First National Bank, and Unit 2 School Superintendent Wes Olson.
On Tuesday we welcomed Bond County State’s Attorney Chris Bauer, Lady Comets Basketball Coach Kolin Dothager, Tim Watson from Arthur Young Chevrolet in Vandalia, and Greenville Police Chief Lou Lorton.
And Wednesday we concluded with Mulberry Grove Unit 1 Superintendent Brad Turner, Darryl Bolen from the Greenville First Christian Church, WGEL Farm Reporter Joe Doll, Randy Alderman & Jace Keaster from Bradford National Bank, Dave Tabor of the Greenville Knights of Columbus, and Greenville Jr. High Principal Gary Brauns.
Thanks to all of our pie bakers – and our pie buyers!!!
All in, after three days of auctioning pies and combing additional contributions from employees, church members, and community members connected to our bakers, we raised a total of $12,191!!! All to benefit the Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation in their mission to help Bond County residents battling cancer.
Thanks again to our pie bakers... our pie buyers... and to our great community for their support of this great cause – the Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation. Be sure to attend their Celebration of Life event the evening of September 24 at the American Farm Heritage Museum!
Read even more about the 2016 Pie Auction at WGEL 101.7 FM Daily News
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Jun 22
Bling Out The Bra Contest To Benefit LRCF
Posted by fundraising admin June 22, 2016
The Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation’s fundraising committee is encouraging ladies to channel their inner artist for the “Bling Out The Bra” Contest.
There is a $10 entry fee. Forms and decorated bras can be submitted to Linda Marti. Deadline is September 1.
The decorated bras will be displayed in downtown Greenville store windows leading up to the voting. Voting will conclude September 24 at the LRCF Celebration of Life Festival. Each vote will be cast for a $1.00 donation to LRCF. First, second, and third place winners will earn a cash prize for their artistic efforts.
Read more about the contest at WGEL 101.7 FM Daily News
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Feb 18
LRCF Kicks Off Another Year Of Fundraising
Posted by fundraising admin Feb 18, 2016
The kickoff event for the 2016 fundraising efforts of the Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation was Saturday morning at the Greenville First Christian Church. Supporters of LRCF gathered for a free breakfast and program.
The LRCF Celebration of Life Festival, which culminates the year of fundraising, will be held Saturday, September 24th from 4:00 to 10:00 p.m. at the American Farm Heritage Museum. This year’s theme will be “You’ve Got a Friend.” The goal for the year of fundraising is $55,000.
It was also announced that a new fundraising event, known as Bling Out Bra, will be held from June through the Celebration Of Life Event in September. It is a competition for the best decorated bra. There will be an entry fee and persons will be able to vote at $1 per vote. Cash prizes will be awarded for the top three places. More information will be forthcoming.
Other upcoming fundraisers will be a Trivia Night on April 1st, a cookout on the Thrift Shop parking lot on May 6th, and operating a food stand at the Hummingbird Festival in June.
At the end of the program, the LRCF choir sang a rendition of “You’ve Got a Friend” with the lyrics changed to emphasize the goal of the foundation to help local cancer patients.
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Nov 10
Final Total Announced For 2015 LRCF Campaign
Posted by fundraising admin November 10, 2015
The Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation has tallied the numbers for this year’s fundraising, which culminated with the Celebration of Life Festival on September 19. Volunteers generated $53,744.93 for the LRCF, surpassing their goal of $50,000. Around a dozen teams held cookouts, bowling events, trivia nights, a 5K run, and other activities with all of the proceeds going to the foundation. In keeping with a tradition that began last year, 10 percent of the earnings were donated to a cancer-related cause. This year’s selection was St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The remaining funds, $48,444.93, will stay locally to help Bond County residents who are battling cancer.
Named for a long-time resident who lost his life to cancer in 2002, the Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation, through a confidential application process, provides financial assistance with items not covered by insurance including some medical bills, lodging, and travel for treatment. The foundation was initially funded through proceeds from Rhodes’ trust. Applications and other information may be obtained at the Bond County Health Department.
At its wrap-up meeting, the LRCF fundraising committee announced that while teams will still be active more emphasis will be placed on generating funds as a committee. As a result individuals who would like to volunteer their time but are unable to assemble a team are welcome to participate.
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Sep 21
Mayor Issues Special Proclamation For LRCF Celebration Of Life
Posted by fundraising admin September 21, 2015
During Saturday night’s Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation’s Celebration of Life, Greenville Mayor Alan Gaffner spoke to those gathered for the opening ceremony. He issued a proclamation in honor of the event. The full text of the proclamation follows below.
Gaffner’s daughter, Emily, sang the “Star Spangled Banner” during the opening ceremony.
LEMUEL RHODES CANCER FOUNDATION CELEBRATION OF LIFE FESTIVAL DAY
September 19, 2015
PROCLAMATION
BY THE CITY OF GREENVILLE, ILLINOIS
WHEREAS, cancer is a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells which, if not controlled, can result in premature death; and
WHEREAS, cancer is predicted to strike one out of every three Americans sometime in our lifetime with an estimated 62,480 new cases of cancer diagnosed in Illinois; and
WHEREAS, approximately 106 new cases of cancer are estimated to occur in Bond County, and more than 45 Bond County residents are expected to lose their battle with cancer this year; and
WHEREAS, the Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation is a community effort to support neighbors who are battling cancer; and
WHEREAS, in his will, Lem provided for proceeds from a portion of his trust to be used to help Bond County residents battling cancer and to offer resources they sought through Greenville Regional Hospital and the Bond County Health Department; and
WHEREAS, through a confidential application process, individuals may apply for assistance to address the expense of items such as medical bills not covered by insurance, lodging and travel for treatment, fitted garments, and other necessary items; and
WHEREAS, The Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation Celebration of Life Festival in Bond County is a community event that allows an opportunity to network with businesses, associates, family, friends, and neighbors with the goal of making a difference in the fight against cancer,
NOW THEREFORE, I, Alan Gaffner, Mayor of the City of Greenville, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM Saturday, September 19, 2015 as the Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation Celebration of Life Festival Day. I further urge all residents to recognize and participate in this anti-cancer campaign held in our community, encourage those individuals living with cancer, and honor those individuals that have lost their lives to the dreaded disease, and support volunteers who are generating funds to battle cancer and provide charitable assistance for cancer patients.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of Greenville to be affixed this 8th day of September, 2015.
Alan Gaffner, Mayor
City of Greenville
Greenville, Illinois -
Sep 20
Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation Exceeds $50,000 Goal
Posted by fundraising admin September 20, 2015
The Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation held their annual Celebration of Life on the Greenville Elementary School playground Saturday evening. Following a successful 2014, where they raised $32,000, the group had a fundraising goal of $50,000 this year.
They surpassed that goal by raising a total of $53,268.94. An emotional John Goldsmith shared the total raised during the closing ceremony.
The Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation provides assistance to Bond County cancer patients.
Enjoy some photos WGEL 101.7 FM reporter Jeff Leidel took during the event.
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Sep 16
2015 Great Celebrity Pie Auction A HUGE Success!
Posted by fundraising admin September 16, 2015
It was another exciting year in the WGEL Great Celebrity Pie Auction. Below you’ll find out list of pie bakers for this year, and the totals the guests brought in:
MONDAY
Bond County Circuit Clerk Rex Catron: $150
Sorento Principal Bill Carpenter & Pocahontas Principal Jason Rakers: $535
Greenville Junior High Principal Gary Brauns: $300
Doug Stroud & Randy Alderman of Bradford National Bank: $600TUESDAY
Bond County Unit 2 School Superintendent Wes Olson: $400
Greenville College President Dr. Ivan Filby: $250
Tim Watson from Arthur Young Chevrolet in Vandalia: $460
Sally Bolen from the Greenville First Christian Church & WGEL Farm Reporter Joe Doll: $950
Mulberry Grove Unit 1 Superintendent Brad Turner: $950WEDNESDAY
Bond County State’s Attorney Chris Bauer: $1,675
Bond County Board Member Gerald “Spanky” McCray: $1,000
Greenville Comets Coaches Todd Hutchinson & Todd Cantrill: $810
Bond County Coroner Tony Brooks: $505
Mike Radliff & Dusty Bauer from the First National Bank: $2,465
Our three-day Great Celebrity Pie Auction total is $11,050 – all to benefit the Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation. The LRCF has their annual Celebration of Life this Saturday afternoon and evening on the Greenville Elementary School playground.
Thanks to each of our pie bakers and thanks to the Bond County community for coming together and supporting this great cause!
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May 26
New LRCF Donor Program
Posted by fundraising admin May 26, 2015
Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation donor cards are available in businesses across Bond County. The cards are $1.00 each and have spaces to honor someone who is currently battling cancer or whose journey has ended.
Cards are posted at participating businesses throughout Greenville, Pocahontas, Smithboro, Mulberry Grove, and Sorento.
Next time you’re out and about shopping, be sure to check at the cash register for the new Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation donor cards and support the organization’s efforts to help Bond County residents battling cancer.
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Mar 28
Cookie 5K Walk/Run
Posted by fundraising admin March 28, 2015
The Rally Team at First Christian Church held a 5K walk/run event today (March 28). Each participant was given (a much earned) two dozen cookies at the end of the run. Winners in each age division earned BIG cookies and a half gallon of milk. Congrats to Sally Bolen and her crew on a great fundraiser for the Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation.
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Mar 16
LRCF Recruiting Teams For 2015
Posted by fundraising admin March 16, 2015
Last year a new fundraising effort was launched to benefit the Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation (LRCF), a local organization that provides financial assistance to Bond County residents battling cancer. Several teams conducted trivia nights, car washes, cookouts and other events for LRCF culminating in the Celebration of Life festival last September where it was announced that over $34,000 had been raised.
This year’s fundraising campaign is underway with a goal of $50,000 for 2015. John Goldsmith, a member of the LRCF fundraising committee, said, “We think $50,000 is a reasonable goal considering we didn’t begin our efforts last year until May. Some of our teams have already jumped out of the gate with a variety of creative and successful fund raisers.”
What makes LRCF different is the emphasis on every dollar spent can make a difference locally. The foundation typically provides gas cards and help with other expenses related to cancer treatment.
Gina Lewis, co-chair for team recruitment, explained, “Every cent raised by every team is important. Every $100 we raise equals two gas cards that are helping local residents battling cancer.”
There are currently 12 teams signed up to participate with room for more. There’s no cost to register a team and no minimum requirement for money raised. Businesses, churches, families, and groups of friends from across Bond County are encouraged to consider joining the LRCF effort.
Lewis said, “This is a great opportunity to get involved in a great group of people who care for those who are battling cancer. It’s not about how many members are in your team or even how much you raise. Together we are making a difference.”
Kelli Lahr, also a team recruitment co-chair, commented, “Most, if not all, of our team members have been directly affected by cancer. We all share the same passion to soften the blow of a cancer diagnosis. This passion has driven our fundraising efforts in an amazing way. It is our hope that more of our friends, neighbors and families will join us.”
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Oct 14
Final Totals Announced For Lem Rhodes Cancer Foundation Fundraising
Posted by fundraising admin October 14, 2014
When the new fundraising committee for the Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation (LRCF) formed this past spring, they set a goal of $20,000. Ten teams spent the summer hosting cookouts, trivia nights, bowling tournaments, car washes, and even an art night to raise dollars and awareness for the LRCF, a not-for-profit organization that provides financial assistance to local cancer patients. The fundraising campaign culminated in the Celebration of Life Festival on September 13. The goal of $20,000 was easily surpassed.
Jennifer Lappe, chairperson of the LRCF fundraising committee, recently announced that the teams generated $34,706.70. Organizers were thrilled considering fundraising didn’t officially begin until May. The committee has designated $3,000 to be donated to Washington University’s Siteman Cancer Research Center. The remaining funds will assist the foundation’s goal to provide a helping hand to Bond County residents who are battling cancer. Bart Caldieraro, LRCF Board Chairman, expressed his gratitude to the dozens of volunteers who held fundraisers this year. Team Marti, a family team formed in honor of the late Dave Marti, was the top moneymaker – raising over $6,000.
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Sep 14
LRCF Fundraising Tops $31,000 And Continues to Grow
Posted by fundraising admin September 14, 2014
Saturday afternoon and evening was the first annual Celebration of Life Festival organized for the Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation. The festival of life was the culmination of a year of fundraising and volunteerism in Bond County.
A big crowd gathered under blue skies Saturday on the Elementary School parking lot for all types of fun, games, food and remembrance. The theme of the festival was “There’s No Place Like Home”. This is very fitting since the money raised for the Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation stays in Bond County to help residents that are fighting cancer.
The preliminary total of money raised is $31,226 and there is still more to be counted. A final number will likely be announced in a few days.
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Sep 10
Pie Auction Raises Over $8,000
Posted by fundraising admin September 10, 2014
The 2014 WGEL Great Celebrity Pie Auction is in the history books.
Wednesday was the third and final day of auctions and bids totaled $4,050. The three-day final total came to $8,367. All proceeds will benefit the Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation, which provides assistance to cancer patients throughout Bond County.
Thanks to our pie bakers this year: Sorento Principal Bill Carpenter, Bond County Circuit Clerk Rex Catron, Greenville Jr. High Principal Gary Brauns, Reverend Darryl Bolen, WGEL Farm Reporter Joe Doll, Bond County Sheriff Jeff Brown, Becky Blackburn from the Greenville Police Department, Tim Watson from Arthur Young Chevrolet, Doug Stroud from Bradford National Bank, Bond County State’s Attorney Chris Bauer, Bond County Board Member Gerald “Spanky” McCray, Greenville College President Dr. Ivan Filby, Bond County Coroner Tony Brooks, and Tammy Stief from the First National Bank.
Thanks to everyone who put in a bid and/or bought a pie. Your support of this great cause makes a big impact!
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Aug 27
Lem Rhodes Cancer Foundation Sponsoring First Festival
Posted by fundraising admin August 27, 2014
The Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation will host its first Celebration of Life Festival on Saturday, September 13 from 4:00 to 10:00 p.m. on the Greenville Elementary School playground. The Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation provides assistance to local cancer patients for items such as medical bills not covered by insurance, assistance with lodging and travel for treatment, and other necessary items.
The Celebration of Life Festival offers food, games, bounce houses, face painting, and entertainment in a family atmosphere. The theme for the event is “There’s no place like home.” In keeping with the Wizard of Oz theme a Dorothy Look-a-like Contest will be held with two age divisions, 12 and under and 13 and older. The Cowardly Lion, Tin Man, and Scarecrow will pose for photos. Some limited seating will be available; those attending are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.
Live entertainment includes Fusion Dance Center, Pete the Juggler, and the Chapman Brothers Band. A program with guest speakers, recognition of cancer survivors, and special music by members of the Greenville Junior High chorus begins at 9:00 p.m. and concludes with a luminary ceremony.
Attendees are asked to bring a photo of a loved one whose fight against cancer has ended. These will be displayed on a special “memory board”.
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Aug 18
Lem Rhodes Cancer Foundation To Hold “Hope Celebration”
Posted by fundraising admin August 18, 2014
The Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation will host a “Hope Celebration” dinner to honor Bond County cancer survivors and their caregivers on Tuesday, September 9. The free meal and program will be held at St. Lawrence Catholic Church with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. and dinner served at 6:30 p.m. Each cancer survivor may bring one caregiver to the celebration. Participants will receive a complimentary t-shirt.
The first annual Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation Celebration of Life Festival is Saturday, September 13 from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Greenville Elementary School playground. Around a dozen teams have raised money throughout the summer to benefit the foundation. The festival will include food, music, games, and featured speakers. Details will be released soon.
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May 19
Lem Rhodes Foundation Kicks Off Fundraising Season
Posted by fundraising admin May 19, 2014
The Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation has a new sub-committee that will generate funds to help local cancer patients. The group gathered Saturday morning for a brief ceremony to kick off their fundraising season.
Greenville Mayor Alan Gaffner thanked the group for their efforts and pledged his support and that of the community.
Cancer survivor Becky Blackburn shared her personal story and spoke of the often-unknown costs of fighting cancer, such as fuel, oil changes, and tire maintenance due to traveling to receive treatment; hotel expenses; and loss of overtime and holiday pay.
Through a confidential application process, individuals may apply for assistance from the Lem Rhodes Cancer Foundation to help with those items not covered by insurance.
Teams will raise funds for Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation throughout the spring and summer. Their efforts will culminate in a celebration of life festival on Saturday, September 13.
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May 6
Lem Rhodes Cancer Foundation Joins Forces With Local Group
Posted by fundraising admin May 6, 2014
The Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation has a new sub-committee that will generate funds to help local cancer patients.
In February former members of the Bond County Relay for Life announced that they would be exploring new opportunities to raise money that would stay locally. After a series of meetings, the two groups decided to join forces to pursue their mutual mission. In conjunction with this announcement, The Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation seated a new board member, Jennifer Lappe, a former member of the local Relay steering committee.
John Goldsmith, co-chair of the 2013 Bond County Relay said, “This is a perfect fit for everyone. The foundation’s purpose is to give financial help and a morale boost to local folks fighting cancer. Our group was looking for a way to raise money that can directly benefit our family, friends, and neighbors. We’re excited to be part of the Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation.”
In a statement previously issued, the former Relay steering committee and many of the team captains said, “While we’re proud of our efforts on behalf of ACS, it’s time for us to step away from Relay. After fifteen years with ACS and Relay, this is not a decision that was made lightly. And while we embark on this new adventure, we are not saying that there won’t be or shouldn’t be a Relay for Life in 2014. But the planning and execution will be done by others.”
Teams will be raising funds for Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation throughout the spring and summer culminating in a celebration of life festival on Saturday, September 13.
Bart Caldieraro, foundation chairman, is also enthusiastic about the new partnership. “The Lem Rhodes Cancer Foundation is very excited with the decision that has been made by these outstanding residents of our county. We are looking forward to working with this group and this decision will allow us to help even more cancer patients and their families right here in Bond County. The Foundation has helped over 100 patients and their families deal with this difficult diagnosis and we are looking forward to helping even more in the near future.”
Lemuel Rhodes, a long-time Bond County resident, lost his brother to cancer and his own life to the disease in 2002. In his will, Rhodes set aside proceeds from part of his trust to be used to help other Bond County residents battling cancer. Through a confidential application process, individuals may apply for assistance to help with items such as medical bills not covered by insurance, assistance with lodging and travel for treatment, and other necessary items.
