By Janet Jacobs
Daily Sun
It was a night of nibbles and wine, socializing and even a little baseball Thursday for the annual American Cancer Society’s wine and cheese party held at the home of Phil and Darlene Judson.
The goal of the invitation-only event was to raise $25,000 this year, and by the end of the evening it looked like it would be a done deal, said Lynda Housley, with the American Cancer Society of Navarro County.
“We’re well on our way,” she said. The event has been an annual Navarro County tradition for more than 20 years, Housley said.
It was a welcome success after a tough financial year in 2009, said Tom Seerden, area vice president of the American Cancer Society.
The 2009 fiscal year, which ended in September, was one of the worst for fund-raising, Seerden said.
“But participation is up, the enthusiasm is still there,” he said. “Sometimes donations are less, but more people are involved.”
It wasn’t just a matter of fewer donations for helping people with cancer treatments, screenings and research, but the higher rate of unemployment has also meant a greater demand for help, he pointed out.
“I think things are starting to pick up. We’ve had some successes already since the fiscal year started,” he said. “I think people in Texas, when times are hard, come together.”
Certainly people in Corsicana were willing to give. The party, which is hosted by the local cancer society board members, was stocked with wine, cheeses, hors d’oeuvres, and even an enormous paté in the shape of a pink breast cancer ribbon — all of which was donated.
None of the costs of the event had to be reimbursed, leaving the donations to go to the charity itself, Housley said.
For Dr. John Nelson and his wife, Marcia, it’s all about coming together for good.
“We want to support Corsicana and charitable causes,” Marcia said.
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Janet Jacobs may be reached via e-mail at jacobs@corsicanadailysun.com
