(601) 739-3658
Copyright 2012: Seth Harris Childhood Cancer Foundation | Childhood Cancer Foundation | All rights reserved.
PO Box 1286, Bay Springs,  MS 39422, 601-39-3658 | info@shccf.org
Wings of Hope Day
Wings of Hope Raises Awareness and Hope for Children with Cancer
The weather was perfect. The setting was perfectly decorated. The music and entertainment was perfect. And the cause was perfect. Wings of Hope Day was an abundant success. Over $7,400.00 was raised for childhood cancer awareness and to benefit the child-friendly courtyard project at Blair E. Batson.
The day began bright and bustling with busy volunteers preparing for a day of activities and awareness brought to you by the Seth Harris Childhood Cancer Foundation and the junior version of the foundation, the Seth Harris Childhood Cancer Club. More than 75 volunteers came together Saturday September 22, setting up tents, decorating, preparing items to sell, selling raffle tickets, performing and welcoming guests to the third year of Wings of Hope.
SHCCF Vice-President Dawn Harris had this to say about the event, "We are amazed at the generosity of our community and at the outpouring of love shown to our special guests present at the event, those children dealing with cancer today. Griff Sykes, Addison Stringer, Kendyll King, Kaylee Langley, Colby Sanders, Evan Smith and Hawk Hendry were special guests of the foundation. These children are currently, or have dealt with pediatric cancer." Students from HA, SBA and Stringer Attendance Center brought gifts to present to these guests, and to others battling cancer.
Mississippi Blood Services collected 31 units of life-saving blood and 17 new registries were collected for the Be the Match! Bone Marrow Registry. The SHCCC held a tissue drive to collect quality boxed tissue to deliver to patients at Blair E. Batson. This project amassed an amazing 300+ boxes of tissue with more boxes pouring in since Saturday. These tissues will be delivered to patients to help sooth sore noses during treatment.
Houston and Friends Cakes for a Cure sold treats amounting to a donation of over $1,000.00 for the SHCCF and also donated treats to the children in attendance battling cancer. This group was founded by 7-year-old Houston Rhodes, who hosted a bake sale in 2011 for the benefit of the foundation. Houston was joined this year by local children Preston Sims, Morgan and Josh White, Haidyn and Sam Houston, Haileigh Grace Holder and Olivia Johnston.
American Legion Riders Post 71, American Legion Post 71, along with American Legion Riders Auxiliary Unit 1997 began the day with a benefit ride. The riders arrived just in time for opening ceremonies and stayed for the days festivities. The riders presented the foundation with a donation exceeding $1300.00. as a result of the over 80 riders that registered for the event.
A group of students from Stringer Attendance Center, led by Allie Brown, auctioned off an autographed Mark Ingram Alabama jersey, and sold t-shirts and other items amounting to a donation of over $1,100.00.
Jeff Bates, the entertainment headliner for the event, donated a portion of his proceeds back to the foundation. It seems many are touched by seeing the faces of childhood cancer. Childhood cancer is relentless in its pursuit of our children. The entire park was decorated in gold, as is most of the town in remembrance of September as National Childhood Cancer Month and as a part of Wings of Hope Day.
Children and adults like were enthralled by presentations made by Dog Trainer Derrell Geddie, of DG's Kennel, and Terry Vandeventer with the Snakes of Mississippi Exhibit. Paul Meek hosted a "Hands On" Turkey Calling instruction class for kids and beginners. The Worlds Largest Motorized Radio Flyer built in Ellisville, MS was present and The Hooters Girls handed out all of their calendars in record time. Cancer awareness information was presented by representatives from local and national groups and Emcee Van Mac reminded us symptoms, statistics, services and becoming a bone marrow donor.
Spectators were treated to a fabulous fireworks show at the close of the evening's events. Seth's Mom celebrated her 40th Birthday Saturday at Wings of Hope by sharing her birthday cake with Jeff Bates and a group of volunteers.
Seth Harris Childhood Cancer Foundation
PO Box 1286
Bay Springs, MS 39422
