Page 28 - South Mississippi Living - November, 2019

COASTNOTES
BARK FOR LIFE
story by Kelsey Sunderman-Foster photo courtesy of American Cancer Society South Region
Animal lovers know that there’s nothing like the companionship of a pet, which is why canine caregivers will be honored on November 16 from noon until 4
p.m. The American Cancer Society’s Bark for Life of the Mississippi Gulf Coast will celebrate the many support animals who have helped cancer patients and survivors throughout their battles with cancer.
“The celebration will include an opening ceremony featuring Grand Marshal Kirsten Logos, daughter of Melissa Logos, owner of Foundations Professional Bra Fitting,” said American Cancer Society South Region Community Development Manager LaWanda Jones. “There will be an Honor Walk at 1 p.m. to celebrate, honor and remember cancer survivors, patients, caregivers and canine companions. McGruff the Crime Dog will make
a special appearance, and there will be other canine activities such as K9 demonstrations, a cutest dog contest, look alike contest and fashion show.”
The event is part of the American Cancer Society Relay For Life movement, which is the world’s largest peer-to- peer fundraising event to save lives from cancer. Funds raised help the American Cancer Society attack cancer in many ways, including funding resources right here on the Gulf Coast.
“Together, we can beat our biggest rival,” Jones said. “Join Bark For Life of the Mississippi Gulf Coast and help us attack cancer from every angle.”
story by Kelsey Sunderman-Foster
photo courtesy of Mississippi Gulf Coast YMCA
The recipient of the 2019 John R. Blossman Humanitarian Award is Becky Huston Montgomery Jenner. She will be honored at the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino on November 7 with a reception and silent auction beginning at 5:30 p.m. and a dinner
and program to follow at 6:30.
A beloved leader in business, industry,
education, community and military
pursuits, Jenner retired in 2014 from
Mississippi Power Company where she managed
the company’s foundations and employee volunteer organization. Alongside her professional career, Jenner’s military career spans 28 years with the Mississippi Army National Guard, starting as a 2LT Women’s Army Corps and later becoming the state’s first female Company Commander.
The John R. Blossman Humanitarian Award was created in order to recognize individuals, like John, who put his fellow man first, and is given each year at a banquet proudly hosted by the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino. All who knew John Blossman felt his deep love for the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Through generous sponsorships and donations, the YMCA is able to have a lasting impact on thousands of Gulf Coast children, teens and their families every year. In 2018, $138,375 in membership and program discounts were granted to 474 individuals across the Gulf Coast.
Mississippi Gulf Coast YMCA | www.mgcymca.org
Bark for Life of the Mississippi Gulf Coast
www.relayforlife.org/barkmsgulfcoast
28 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • November 2019