Page 16 - South Mississippi Living - September, 2020

www.c4acnonpro t.com
COAST NOTE
a JEEP for a CAUSE
story by Susan Ruddiman
photo courtesy of Costumes for a Cause
A generous donation to Costumes for a Cause (C4AC) lead to the group’s most successful fundraiser ever.
A family from Bainbridge, Georgia, donated a 1991 YJ Jeep Wrangler painted in eye-catching leukemia orange. The restored Jeep featured a full soft top, air- conditioning, stitched seats and an incredible sound system.
The family asked to remain anonymous, but had a member who recently recovered from leukemia. “They just want the glory to go to God. Words can’t express our appreciation for this family’s generous donation,” said Julie Bradley, C4AC founder and president.
Started in 2009, C4AC is a 501(3)(c) nonpro t organization that helps families of individuals battling cancer and leukemia. Bradley said she lost her mother and sister to cancer at a young age, and experienced rsthand the nancial struggles families experience. “Families are in need of nancial assistance as someone goes through radiation or chemotherapy. Health insurance doesn’t cover the house note,”
Bradley said. “We can help relieve some of the burdens.”
All of the proceeds from the member’s fundraising e orts go to helping families. The Jeep ra e tickets sold for $20 each or six for $100, and the end result was $46,000 raised, Bradley said.
The drawing was July 18 at Tripletails in Bay St. Louis before an enthusiastic crowd of Jeep lovers. Jeepin’ the Coast 2020 had been canceled, however, some participants still made the trip to the Coast in mid-July to enjoy amenities of the area and visit with friends.
John Cleary of Brandon won the 1991 Jeep. Runner- up ra e winners were Tonya Jones of Gulfport who won a Green Egg, and Dennis Allen of Long Beach who won a 55-inch smart 4K television.
Over the past 11 years, C4AC has raised more than $230,000 to help local families. Besides the ra e held during Jeepin’ the Coast, other fundraisers are a tennis tournament and a charity golf tournament.
16 | September 2020
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