Battle of the Burgers – Fifth Annual Cribbs Kitchen Burger Cook-Off to Benefit Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas
Docs Who Rock concert to benefit Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas
GoUpstate.com
Dr. Melinda Moretz has been practicing family medicine for more than 30 years, but there’s another side of her that might surprise many of her patients at Palmetto Proactive Healthcare in Spartanburg.
In her spare time, Moretz can often be seen belting out classic rock tunes as a vocalist for a band called Missing Monday, whose lineup also includes another local physician, pulmonologist Dr. Joe Boscia, on lead guitar and vocals.
“I guess everybody has hobbies, and mine is music,” Moretz said. “It’s therapeutic.”
Missing Monday and six other bands — each of which features at least one medical doctor — will take the stage during Docs Who Rock, a unique concert event being held at 7 p.m. Saturday at Wofford College’s Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium in Spartanburg.
Presented by Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System and hosted by the Spartanburg County Medical Society Alliance, with the support of the Spartanburg County Medical Society, the concert will offer attendees a rare glimpse of area doctors’ talents beyond typical exam rooms and hospital corridors. Proceeds will benefit the Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas, whose mission is to provide comprehensive support and loving compassion to families whose children are battling cancer.
“It’s really heartbreaking seeing what these children and their families have to go through, so I’m happy to do whatever we can to help,” said Moretz, who is a Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas board member in addition to being president-elect of the Spartanburg County Medical Society.
Missing Monday also includes keyboardist Chris Bryant, rhythm guitarist Ray Dunleavy, drummer Matt Roper and bassist Henry Stein, the latter of whom is involved in the medical field as a radiology technician.
“We got together about eight years ago, and each one of these guys is very talented,” said Moretz, a Savannah, Ga., native who moved to Spartanburg in 1985. “We’ve played around town mostly at RJ Rockers for fundraisers, and we played Music on Main a couple of years ago.”
Compared to the longevity of Missing Monday, Dr. Aaron Toler’s band is like a newborn baby coming out of the womb.
Toler, who has been practicing as a physician with Carolina Obstetrics and Gynecology for the last 20 years, only recently put together The Cradle Rockers with the sole purpose of having a band with which to perform at Docs Who Rock.
The band, whose music is described by Toler as “indie folk-rock,” is rounded out by guitarist Tad Taylor, vocalist Lindsay Bennett-Fluckiger and drummer Isaiah Mabry.
“I’ve been wanting to put a band together and this (event) was a great excuse for it,” said Toler, who played in bands during his college days but left his musical pursuits behind once his professional career got going. “And since I’m the doc who maybe doesn’t rock, I had to pull in some local heavy-hitter talent.”
In the past few months, the Cradle Rockers have played a handful of times at such venues as RJ Rockers and Delaney’s Irish Pub.
“If I could be Dave Matthews, I think I’d leave my job. I’m teasing, of course,” said Toler, who grew up in Mobile, Ala., and whose wife, Kim, is also an OB/GYN. “But music is just such a great escape. And it’s just so different from medicine, which is so left-brain whereas music is so right-brain.”
Other bands participating in the Docs Who Rock concert are Rock and Roll Reunion (Dr. Octavia Amaechi); The Oys (Dr. Stephen Gorin); Off the Wall (Dr. Michael Hood) ; The Rent (Dr. Matthew Lambert); and Jam Side Up (Dr. Troy McKinney, who will be joined by his brother, Dr. James McKinney of Charleston).
Allen said Children’s Cancer Partners has helped the families of approximately 150 children in Spartanburg County alone in the last 18 years. And since expanding its footprint to include the entirety of North and South Carolina, the organization now works with the families of more than 600 children in active treatment.
“What we do is make sure that children battling cancer have access to the care they need and that they can get to their treatment facilities wherever they are,” Allen said. “There is no cancer treatment facility in Spartanburg County for children, so they have to go to places like Greenville or Charlotte (N.C.) and often to distant places like Sloan Kettering in New York or the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
“All of that traveling can get expensive, and if you’re a two-income household, most times one person has to stop working to be the caregiver to the child with cancer. … We work hard to provide not only financial support but also to be a part of the families and essentially wrap them with hope and love throughout the cancer journey.”
Allen said Docs Who Rock will also include a silent auction and that the event is the largest fundraiser ever held in benefit of Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas.
Sunday’s letters: Docs Who Rock
Go for the gold! We often hear this during the Olympics. However, for children fighting cancer, “gold” is a symbol of hope. On March 9, physicians in Spartanburg County will take the inspiration from these courageous children and “go for the gold.”
Teaming with Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas (CCP) and Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System, physician-musicians (as well as a few friends) will provide hope and support through Docs Who Rock Spartanburg. The event will fill the Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium at Wofford College with music by seven bands that feature physicians.
Our motivation is huge: Cancer is the leading cause of death, by disease, in America, claiming one in eight who are diagnosed. The odds are worse if a child lives in poverty or in rural areas. Spartanburg will experience a dozen more children diagnosed each year, joining over 150 who are battling the disease already.
The numbers are scary. Unfortunately, the cost of creating pediatric oncology in Spartanburg County is not attainable. Therefore, our families must travel for treatment. Children become “road warriors,” logging hundreds of miles for radiation or chemotherapy. Many journeys are to New York, Philadelphia or beyond for specialized treatments or clinical trials.
The toll on families is tremendous. A parent may have to leave work. While income plummets, expenses soar, leading to a rise in emotional strain in an already stressful time. Possible eviction or repossession notices create more strife. The burden on single parents is often worse.
We can help. CCP comes alongside families throughout this perilous journey, helping with travel, food, lodging and home care. If the ultimate tragedy occurs, CCP assists with final arrangements.
Please help our children! Support our Docs Who Rock event for these brave children. Come out and join! Ticket information can be found at ChildrensCancerPartners.org.
Jeff Cashman, president, Spartanburg County Medical Society; Peggy Pitts, president, Spartanburg County Medical Society Alliance
Docs Who Rock Spartanburg
WSPA
Tammy Jones
Posted: Feb 12, 2019 04:12 PM EST
Updated: Feb 12, 2019 04:12 PM EST
Local physicians will trade in their medical instruments for musical ones at Docs Who Rock Spartanburg benefiting Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas presented by Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System. Marisa Cecil, Development Director for Children’s Cancer Partners, is here to tell us all about this truly one-of-a-kind event.
Upstate nonprofit supports fight against pediatric cancer
By Melody Wright – Jul 26, 2018
Flash was the name of Lockaby’s imaginary girlfriend when he was younger. The name came up when baby naming for the Tollison’s second child began — and it stuck. Little Katie Flash has gone by Flash ever since she was born. But Flash’s name isn’t the only rare thing about her.
One year ago, Flash was diagnosed with stage 3 neuroblastoma, a very rare cancer that forms in nerve tissue.
Flash is just one of more than 600 children in the Carolinas diagnosed with cancer each year, according to data from Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas (CCP).
“You’re in shock when you hear your cancer diagnosis,” explains Flash’s mother, Kate Tollison. The past year has been a journey of visits to Greenville Hospital System, the Medical University of South Carolina, and Jacksonville, Florida, for Flash’s treatments.
In South Carolina, treatment for pediatric cancer is available only in Greenville, Charleston, and Columbia. Families of children seeking more-specialized care must travel out of state, adding to the families’ financial and emotional hardships.
The Tollisons are among 325 families affected by childhood cancer that CCP currently assists.
“All the money, everything they do, goes straight to the family,” Kate Tollison says. “Every cent that goes to [CCP] goes straight to making the lives of the children better.”
Currently working with 11 hospitals, CCP receives the names of families in need of assistance from hospital social workers. Within 24 hours of receiving that family’s information, CCP contacts the whole family to determine their needs and barriers.
“At CCP, our primary focus is getting Carolina children to the lifesaving treatments they need by providing families with funds for transportation, meals, and lodging associated with this vital care,” says Laura Allen, CCP executive director.
Headquartered in Spartanburg, CCP began in 2001 as a project of the Spartanburg Breakfast Optimist Club. Five years later, CCP became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with the purpose of assisting families in Spartanburg County. After expanding in 2015, CCP extended its services from one county to 147 counties in the Carolinas.
“CCP is able to come alongside these hurting families and offer the critical support they need and opportunities for them to connect with others who are fighting cancer,” Allen says. “This helps them to overcome their sense of isolation and that feeling of being completely overwhelmed.”
Financial support takes on many forms — paying for airfare, Uber rides, hotels, meals, utility bills. But outside of travel, food, and lodging, CCP aids families in managing all the stressful details and tasks associated with pediatric cancer care.
Most parents of children with cancer are not prepared for the disease’s financial challenges. So, CCP provides financial literacy training for them to better cope.
For the children, many hospital visits include chemotherapy, ports, and other unpleasantries. To alleviate some of the pain and lift their spirits, CCP hosts fun events and activities that bring families together.
Camp Victory, an annual three-day summer event, allows the children to take a break and enjoy time with one another.
“The impact is tremendous,” Allen says of CCP’s programs. The partnership of CCP with hospital social workers gives families the necessary means to provide their children with the best available care.
“We need the people of the Carolinas to help the children of the Carolinas,” Allen says.
Eight-year-old Peyton Gesing was also diagnosed with neuroblastoma. Diagnosed at age 5, Peyton and his family were among the first in the Upstate to receive assistance from CCP.
“We would’ve been lost if we didn’t have them,” says mother Suzanne Gesing.
Peyton received treatment at Greenville Hospital System and also traveled to New York’s Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center for a trial. Traveling to and from New York for the past two years, the Gesings were supported financially and emotionally by CCP.
To help children like Flash and Peyton and support CCP’s efforts, visit www.childrenscancerpartners.org to donate money or contact CCP to supply items needed by the families.
Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas announces Shannon Brown as Director of Family Programs
upstatebizSC
July 26th, 2018
Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas (CCP) announced that Shannon Brown, MSW, LISW-CP, has been named Director of Family Programs. CCP is a 501(c)3 organization with a mission to provide comprehensive support and loving compassion to families whose children are battling cancer to improve their overall quality of life. The nonprofit serves children and families throughout SC and NC.
“Shannon is an extraordinary addition to our team,” said Laura Allen, Executive Director of CCP. “She brings a wealth of experience and knowledge related to supporting families as they journey through a health related crisis and as a childhood cancer survivor herself, she has a unique understanding of what they are going through. We are excited to have Shannon leading our family advocacy efforts to ensure access to care and connection to critical resources for the growing number of children and families served by Children’s Cancer Partners.”
Brown, a resident of Moore, SC, earned her bachelor of arts at Emory University and a Master of Social Work with a certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Georgia. Much of her career has been committed to supporting and advocating for individuals battling cancer and other diseases. Brown interned with the Loran Smith Center for Cancer Support in Athens, GA, served as a Patient Resource Specialist for the American Cancer Society’s Patient Service Center and as a Clinical Social Worker at the Children’s Blood & Cancer Center of Dell Children’s Medical Center in Austin, TX. A licensed social worker in both NC and SC, most recently she was a part of the social work team at Duke University Medical Center’s Pediatric Hematology Oncology Department. As CCP’s Director of Family Programs Brown’s role is to develop and oversee strong programs that fulfill the mission of the organization through meeting the needs of the families it serves.
“We are thrilled about the expertise and skill set Shannon adds to our CCP team as we continue to expand our reach across the Carolinas,” said Allen. “The needs of our families are varied and often complex. Shannon is well prepared to guide our efforts to address those needs in a very personal, professional and individualized manner.”
Started in 2001, CCP grew from a project of the Spartanburg Breakfast Optimist Club. The organization first existed to help families in Spartanburg County, SC but has now expanded its reach to encompass families throughout all of North and South Carolina.
Children are referred to CCP by social workers at their pediatric oncology treatment centers. After identifying specific needs, CCP continues to partner with them throughout their childhood cancer journey until the child reaches the age of 21. The nonprofit provides transportation, food and lodging for families who travel great distances frequently to obtain the lifesaving treatment their children need.
Children with cancer visit Hope Remains Ranch
On Hope Remains Ranch’s 11-acre property, two-year-old Dredger Lanier stood in front of a small, wooden horse, throwing colorful hoops at its head and smiling when one looped around its ears and slid down its straight neck.
Katrina Lanier, Dredger’s mother, said for the past three months- ever since Dredger was diagnosed with cancer – the toddler’s life has been full of visits to the hospital and aggressive treatments.
Standing at the ranch and watching her son play, Katrina said she was just happy to see him enjoying himself.
“He loves it,” Katrina said.
Dredger was one of 22 children with Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas’ Camp Victory who spend Monday morning at Hope Remains Ranch riding horses, playing corn hole, taking wagon rides – far from the world of beeping chemotherapy machines and needle pricks.
“We’ve been going through with treatment and it’s pretty intense right now,” Katrina said. “Right now he’s at a high risk and we’re in the middle of a 60-day treatment. He just got off of a three-week break because his counts weren’t high enough yet. So we just started this week and it’s rough… It’s nice just to get out.”
Melanie Watt, CEO of the ranch, said she started taking horses and ponies to Camp Victory several years ago and last year, campers came to the ranch for the first time. Watt said she’s glad the children from Camp Victory now have an opportunity to experience the ranch more fully.
“It’s great to partner with them and love on these kids and love on these families,” she said.
CCPC Executive Director Laura Allen said giving children outings like the one at Hope Remains Ranch helps families take their minds off of the challenges they’re facing and builds bonds between people going through similar hardships.
“We always invite siblings and we invite the parents because cancer can be a very isolating disease for children and for families,” she said.
For the past month, Esther Silva, 4, has been talking constantly about a chance to see the horses at the ranch, said Claudia Silva, Esther’s mother.
“She thinks about this all the time,” she said. “She has tiny horses in our house. So it’s her dream. I have no words to thank all of these people who are helping us.”
Allen said giving children like Dredger and Esther a chance to feel like normal kids is an amazing experience.
“These are the times that we want our kids to forget about cancer and be kids and do all those joyous, fun things,” she said. “Most of the time, they’re on a journey back and forth getting chemo, or sitting at a clinic, or seeing a doctor and being poked and prodded and these few days of camp today, camp in July and camp in early June allows them to not worry about any of that.”
Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas announces Cecil as New Director of Development
Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas (CCP) recently announced that Marisa Cecil has been selected as the nonprofit’s new Director of Development. CCP is a 501(c)3 organization with a mission to provide comprehensive support and loving compassion to families whose children are battling cancer to improve their overall quality of life. The nonprofit serves children and families throughout SC and NC.
“A native of SC, Marisa has dedicated much of her career to increasing support for Carolina families grappling with a cancer diagnosis,” said Laura Allen, Executive Director of CCP. “She brings a tremendous amount of expertise in the Development arena to our team. We are thrilled to have her on board and helping lead our efforts to increase resources for the growing number of children and families served by Children’s Cancer Partners.”
Cecil is a resident of Boiling Springs and received her bachelor of arts in journalism and mass communications from the University of South Carolina. She joined the Spartanburg Regional Foundation team as Director of Philanthropy in 2015 after serving the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System in other roles since 2009. In her most recent position Cecil directed all Heart and Cancer Division fundraising initiatives for the foundation. Previously, she served as a Physician Development Consultant and as a Clinical Research Physician Liaison and Radiation Oncology Medical Patient Representative for the Gibbs Cancer Center and Research Institute.
“Marisa will be a tremendous asset to our CCP team as we continue to expand our reach throughout the Carolinas,” said CCP Board Chairperson, Shelia Ingle. “With the growth of our organization comes the need for additional support from the local communities where our CCP children reside. With Marisa’s experience she is well prepared to successfully match the needs of our children with philanthropists who desire to lend a helping hand to struggling families so they can focus on the day-to-day challenges of their child’s battle with cancer.”
Started in 2001, CCP grew from a project of the Spartanburg Breakfast Optimist Club. The organization first existed to help families in Spartanburg County, SC but has now expanded its reach to encompass families throughout all of North and South Carolina.
Children are referred to CCP by social workers at their pediatric oncology treatment centers. After identifying specific needs, CCP continues to partner with them throughout their childhood cancer journey until the child reaches the age of 21. The nonprofit provides transportation, food and lodging for families who travel great distances frequently to obtain the lifesaving treatment their children need.
“With over 600 new pediatric cancer diagnoses made in the Carolinas each year, our mission remains the same – getting all children to lifesaving cancer treatment regardless of family circumstances,” explained Allen. “Enhancing our team with such a strong and skilled advocate for cancer families like Marisa will significantly advance this mission and impact the lives of our courageous children.”
Childhood Cancer STAR Act Signed
The Childhood Cancer Star Act of 2017 is now law, a landmark moment for the childhood cancer community. You can find a summary of the new law, signed on June 5, 2018, below.
The passage of the STAR Act was a true community effort that involved years of patience, hard work, and collaboration. The childhood cancer community and Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas (CCP) are grateful to our many champions in Congress, who successfully shepherded this bipartisan bill through both chambers. As a friend of the Coalition Against Childhood Cancer, we were proud to play a role in advancing and advocating for this legislation alongside CAC2’s advocacy partner coalition, the Alliance for Childhood Cancer, and the entire childhood cancer community.
Meaningful legislation that represents a consensus of community priorities is difficult to craft and even more challenging to pass through Congress. The STAR Act is a milestone achievement that demonstrates that people and legislators can work together to address the challenges faced by families of the 16,000 children diagnosed with cancer every year.
“We applaud these advances at the national policy level, and look forward to future practical benefits that will make life a little better for our children and their families,” said CCP Executive Director Laura Allen. “Meanwhile, we are working hard every day to overcome the dreadful inequities that make childhood cancer such an overwhelming challenge for all families, especially those in rural and low income circumstances.”
CCP encourages families impacted by childhood cancer to reach out and thank their Senators, Representative, and the President for passing this life-saving legislation. Our community needs ongoing support from lawmakers to secure the appropriations required to enact the provisions of this new law.
Law Summary: The STAR Act amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to provide support to collect the medical specimens and information of children, adolescents, and young adults with selected cancers that have the least effective treatments in order to achieve a better understanding of these cancers and the effects of treatment.
The national childhood cancer registry is reauthorized through FY2022 and revised to authorize the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to award grants to state cancer registries to improve tracking of childhood cancers.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) may: (1) support pilot programs to develop or study models for monitoring and caring for childhood cancer survivors throughout their lives, (2) establish a task force to develop and test standards for high-quality childhood cancer survivorship care, and (3) carry out a demonstration project to improve care coordination as childhood cancer survivors transition to adult care.
HHS must convene a Workforce Development Collaborative on Medical and Psychosocial Care for Pediatric Cancer Survivors.
The NIH may support research on: (1) outcomes for, and barriers faced by, pediatric cancer survivors within minority or medically underserved populations; and (2) follow-up care for pediatric cancer survivors, including research on the late effects of cancer treatment and long-term complications.
The Government Accountability Office must make recommendations to address barriers to childhood cancer survivors obtaining and paying for adequate medical care.
Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas Adds Significant Strength to its Board Team
Experienced Business and Community Leaders Will Help Guide Organization’s Continuing Growth
SPARTANBURG, S.C. (May 24, 2018) – Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas (CCP) is pleased to announce the addition of five new members to its board of directors. CCP is a 501(c)3 organization with a mission to provide comprehensive support and loving compassion to families whose children are battling cancer to improve their overall quality of life. The nonprofit serves children and families throughout SC and NC.
“We are thrilled to strengthen our board with these five incredibly experienced board members,” said Laura Allen, Executive Director of CCP. “With representation from both SC and NC, these remarkable individuals each have a heart for the children that we serve and bring expertise, talent and energy to the table. Having them on our team as we navigate the tremendous growth our organization is experiencing will help to ensure we are well positioned to provide assistance to the increasing number of Carolina families that need our services.”
Joining the CCP board are Sheila Breitweiser, Sky Foster, Stone Kelley-McLeod, Jill Van Pelt and Cal Wicker:
Sheila Breitweiser of Durham, NC, is a retired executive from the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Foundation where she held the position of Vice President/Executive Director. Prior to that role, Breitweiser served as President of the South Carolina School for the Deaf and Blind for 11 years. Earlier in her career she was appointed as superintendent of the North Carolina School for the Blind and held various administrative positions in the NC education arena including assistant superintendent and principal. She currently holds positions on the advisory board of the Duke Eye Center and the board of the First Presbyterian Day School. As a result of her esteemed record of service Breitweiser has earned the South Carolina Order of the Palmetto, the North Carolina Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the Spartanburg Chamber’s 2013 Neville Holcombe Distinguished Citizenship Award and numerous other honors.
Sky Foster is Department Manager of Corporate Communications with BMW Manufacturing Co. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from South Carolina State University and her Masters of Arts from North Carolina Central University. Foster has received numerous awards throughout her professional career including the Outstanding Women Achievement Award from Converse College and the James R. King Golden Achievement Award. She sits on the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and the SC Chamber of Commerce – Greenville Advisory Board.
Stone Kelley-McLeod recently rejoined Merrill Lynch in Spartanburg, SC, as an Investment Analyst. She first retired from Merrill Lynch after serving 33 years as a Vice President, Wealth Management Advisor and Certified Financial Planner. Kelley-McLeod is a graduate of the University of Alabama. In 2016 she relocated to Spartanburg from Columbia where she was very active in the community, including service as a board member for Children Unlimited/Family Service Center of SC. While in the Spartanburg area, Kelley-McLeod has served on the Grants and Education Committees of Women Giving for Spartanburg and as a volunteer for the Spartanburg Interfaith Hospitality Network (SPIHN) as well as the Altar Guild and various committees at her church.
Jill Van Pelt is Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer for Denny’s Corporation and is responsible for the brand’s human resources functions. Van Pelt joined Denny’s in April 2006, and holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and French from Clarke College, as well as a master’s degree in human resources management from Houston Baptist University. She is actively involved in the community, currently serving on the board of the United Way of the Piedmont, Spartanburg Little Theatre and Ten at the Top. She was awarded the “2015 Woman Worth Watching” recognition from Diversity Journal. Jill and her husband, Mike, along with their children, Abbie and Zachary, make their home in Spartanburg.
Cal Wicker is Assistant Vice President at BB&T in the Commercial Lending Department. He received his Bachelor of Science in mathematics from Davidson College and his Master of Arts in management from Wake Forest University. An active community leader, Wicker is the president of Hub City Hog Fest and serves on the boards of United Way Young Leaders and the Leadership Spartanburg Alumni Association. He is also a member of the United Way Community Impact Health Council, Hospitality Tax Grant committee, 1831 Gala committee, and One Million Cups committee. Wicker is the recipient of several awards including the John Coleman Volunteer of the Year Award for Mobile Meals in 2016.
Continuing board members include Chairperson Sheila Ingle, Chairperson-Elect Ryan Gaylord, Ed Bargainer, Karla Butler, Brian Carey, Ruth Cate, Bet Hamilton, Martin Huff, Dot Hull, Marsha Moore and Melinda Moretz, M.D.
“We believe that leaders like these will help to further our mission to ensure all Carolina children have access to the most appropriate cancer care available,” said Sheila Ingle, chairperson of the CCP board. “They are each passionate about the work of CCP. We are confident they will add to the great efforts being accomplished by our board and help us achieve our ambitious goals.”
Started in 2001, CCP grew from a project of the Spartanburg Breakfast Optimist Club. The organization first existed to help families in Spartanburg County, SC but has now expanded its reach to encompass families throughout all of North and South Carolina.
Children are referred to CCP by social workers at their pediatric oncology treatment centers. After identifying specific needs, CCP continues to partner with them throughout their childhood cancer journey until the child reaches 21. The nonprofit provides transportation, food and lodging for families who travel great distances frequently to obtain the lifesaving treatment their children need.
Battle of the Burgers – Fifth Annual Cribbs Kitchen Burger Cook-Off to Benefit Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas
April 14th Event to Offer Tasty Burger Creations, Live Music, and Family-friendly Fun
SPARTANBURG, SC (April 6, 2018) – – All community members are invited to Downtown Spartanburg’s juiciest throwdown – the Fifth Annual Cribbs Kitchen Burger Cook-off Saturday, April 14, 2018, from 2-8 p.m. at the corner of W. Main and Daniel Morgan Avenue. All proceeds from the event will benefit Children’s Cancer Partners (CCP), formerly The Children’s Security Blanket, and help to provide support for local children who are struggling with cancer and their families.
The Burger Cook-off offers a full afternoon and evening of mouth-watering deliciousness! The event features a friendly cooking competition with the opportunity for teams of family members, friends or colleagues to display their skills on the grill as they create their own custom burger while supporting a great cause. Winners will receive a unique trophy designed by local artists Kevin Riley and Jeremy Kemp. The winning burger will also be added to the menu at Cribbs Kitchen with the restaurant donating a portion of the profits from that burger back to CCP on an ongoing basis.
The family-friendly event will give participants the chance to sample slider-sized portions of the team burgers while enjoying live music by Missing Monday and The HanG and children’s activities such as inflatables, face-painting, balloon animals and even cornhole. There is no charge to attend the event but burgers and other refreshments will be available for purchase. Food tickets will be sold in sheets of 10 for $10.
New for 2018 – in addition to the winning team selected by a panel of judges, participants will also be able to vote for the People’s Choice Winner and have a voice in ensuring their favorite burger creation is recognized! New additions to the Burger Cook-off menu include a nice compliment to the burgers, french fries, as well as frozen custard, cotton candy and lemonade. For the first time, a Silent Auction with items sure to appeal to everyone will be set up for attendees to participate in at the CCP event tent.
“This year we have really put together a ‘don’t want to miss it’ event,” said Raj Patel, co-owner of Cribbs Kitchen. “Children’s Cancer Partners lightens the burdens of so many of our local Spartanburg families who are navigating their way through the challenges that accompany a childhood cancer journey. The Cribbs Kitchen Burger Cook-Off offers a way that everyone can join in their efforts while enjoying some spirited competition, taking in some great music, savoring great food and experiencing lots of fun. Supporting others has never tasted so good!”
Sponsors of the Burger Cook-Off include presenting sponsors, Denny’s and Pepsi of the Carolinas, as well as Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System, BB&T, Johnson Development Associates, Budweiser of Spartanburg, RJ Rockers and BMW Group Plant Spartanburg. Other sponsors are the AC Hotel Spartanburg, Cannon Roofing, Vic Bailey Volkswagen, Performance Foodservice, Contec, Inc., Mr. and Mrs. Richard Provine and Pryor Diversified LLC. Cook-off festivities will continue until 7 p.m. when winners will be announced. An after party will be held on site through 8 p.m. Host for the Cook-off will be crowd favorite Landon Cohen.
The Children’s Cancer Partners is a Spartanburg-based non-profit that has been serving local families affected by childhood cancer for the past 16 years. The organization first existed to help families in Spartanburg County, SC but has now expanded its reach to encompass families throughout all of North and South Carolina.
Children are referred to CCP by social workers at their pediatric oncology treatment centers. After identifying specific needs, CCP continues to partner with them throughout their childhood cancer journey until the child reaches the age of 21. The nonprofit provides transportation, meals and lodging for families who travel great distances frequently to obtain the lifesaving treatment their children need.
“Eighty four percent of families fighting childhood cancer suffer some level of financial hardship,” explained Laura Allen, executive director of Children’s Cancer Partners. “The gripping stories we are hearing from social workers are becoming more prevalent as the cost of treating cancer and caring for children battling it continues to escalate. At CCP we offer encouragement and support to these families and alleviate as much financial distress as possible. Parents need to be focused on helping their child cope, gain strength and feel loved rather than financial burdens. Our unwavering goal is to ensure all children get to lifesaving cancer treatment regardless of their family’s circumstances.”
For more information about the April 14th event persons are invited to call 864-582-0673, email [email protected] or visit the CCP website at www.childrenscancerpartners.org. Advance tickets are available, 8 a.m.- 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at the Children’s Cancer Partners Office located at 364 S. Pine St., Suite A-110 in Spartanburg.
About Children’s Cancer Partners
The mission of Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas is to provide comprehensive support and loving compassion to families whose children are battling cancer to improve their overall quality of life. The organization serves children and families throughout SC and NC. www.childrenscancerpartners.org 864-582-0673