As we continue navigating around COVID and pandemic life, it is fascinating how creative and ingenious people are in altering philanthropic events to meet the guidelines that the CDC has implemented and still have a successful event. The annual Winterlark event is always an anticipated evening that benefits the Wake Forest Baptist Health Cancer Patient Support Program. The Cancer Patient Support Program (CPSP) is at the heart of the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Wake Forest Baptist Health. It provides support and deep-caring for cancer patients and their families and caregivers as they navigate their cancer journey from diagnosis to survivorship. The goal is to see no one faces cancer alone. These services remain crucial for patients and those who care for cancer patients.
In lieu of the traditional black-tie event, the month of February has been dedicated to a crowdfunding campaign for CPSP with the tagline asking – What would you give to see no one faces cancer alone? There are 38 fundraising pages, and as of February 15th, 73% of the goal to $300,000 has been met. The community has been given the opportunity to become champions of CPSP. These champions are able to set up their own fundraising page and share their own story, mission and connection to the cancer center. Sharing a personal story is powerful and helpful for others to hear that they are not alone in their journey. Companies and individuals also have the chance to make contributions for CPSP.
This year’s chairpersons are Ashley and Matt Kohlrus and Sarah and Coleman Team. The Presenting Sponsor for 2021 is Allegacy Federal Credit Union and the corporate sponsors as of February 15th are Blakely Landscape Services Inc, CPL, First Citizens Bank, Front Street Capital, Garner Foods, Hanesbrands, Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP, Piedmont Federal Savings Bank, PSCU, Reynolds American, Rodgers, Shelco LLC, Smith Leonard, Stimmel Associates, P.A., The Budd Group, Vannoy Construction, Wake Forest Sports Properties, Womble Bond Dickinson and WSP-USA.
“The funds raised through Winterlark are a phenomenal representation of the compassion and support that our community has for cancer patients and their families,” said Lisa Marshall, Wake Forest Baptist Health’s chief philanthropy officer and vice president of philanthropy and alumni relations. “We have such a giving community that plays a valuable role in sustaining this important program.”
Winterlark provides 50% of the operating budget for the CPSP. The community support is vital in offering individual patient and family counseling, patient support, patient aid, complimentary therapies and many other holistic services.
Special thanks to all of the Peer-to-Peer Crowdfunding champions. If you would like to donate to the Just Giving campaign page or learn more about Winterlark and the services that CPSP provide, visit justgiving.com/campaign/CancerPatientSupport2021
and wakehealth.edu/winterlark.
