It’s been two years since we could have an in-person Catie’s Gathering event. Catie’s Gathering Savannah, presented by Coastal Electric, brought us back in gear in a big way. It was so good to be together on March 11, when more than 500 people gathered at the Kehoe Ironworks to raise money for childhood cancer research and enjoy a special evening together.
“Driving home last night, I was trying to pick a favorite moment, and I couldn’t,” said Catie’s mother, Jenny Wilkins. “There were so many moments that made me laugh, others that moved me to tears, some that made me cheer, and some that just warmed my heart.”
CURE vice-president Mandy Garola started the Savannah Catie’s Gathering nine years ago. There are so many reasons it continues to grow – not the least of which are the sponsors, committee members, volunteers, staff, hostesses, vendors, donors, and guests.
Mark and Robin Myers shared their beautiful Kylie’s story. Carlson & Co. and Kaufman-Heinz made everything work seamlessly. Holly Webb handled the technology while the Junkyard Angels warmed us up with great music. The evening’s host, Andrew Davis, kept the evening flowing, and auctioneer Kenny Williams did an amazing job.
“I’ve been trying all day to put last night into words, and it’s nearly impossible,” said Mandy. “The growth that we’ve seen at Catie’s Gathering – Savannah is tremendous, and last night was the best event we’ve ever had. Looking around that room and seeing my friends, family, survivors, current families on treatment, and special people from all my worlds colliding just warmed my heart.”
Catie’s Gathering is having a tremendous impact on children with cancer. Money raised funds CURE’s Precision Medicine Program, which seeks to bring genetic therapies to children.
“When Catie was sick, precision medicine wasn’t an option for kids battling cancer,” Jenny said. “I will always wonder if it would have made a difference for her. The good news is that it is becoming an option for more and more kids battling high risk and relapsed cancers. I truly believe this is the future of pediatric cancer treatment, and I pray it’s the way we finally defeat this awful disease. Thank you to all who supported the event to take us another step closer.”
The 2022 Catie’s Gathering Savannah raised $188,825 – the highest total ever. Thank you to all who made this evening possible.
If you would like to see a photo gallery from the evening, please click HERE.
