Where in Savannah can you find Pan Am flight attendants, circus performers, Ted Lasso characters, and country music impersonators all united for a cause far greater than themselves? On February 21st, that eclectic group, along with many others, could be found at CURE Childhood Cancer’s 11th annual Catie’s Gathering, presented by Coastal Electric. Over four hundred members of the Savannah community came together to create a beautiful, fun, inspiring night to honor the children battling cancer, celebrate the survivors, and remember those precious lives we’ve lost.
The event benefits Catie’s Fund, a named fund of CURE. Catie’s Fund was established by Jenny and Tre Wilkins in memory of their firstborn daughter, Catie, who lost her battle with medulloblastoma at four years old. The fund supports CURE’s research initiatives – specifically, the Precision Medicine Program, which focuses on individualized treatments based on each child’s genetic makeup and is used to support patients and their families in their fight against childhood cancer.
The evening started with a cocktail hour and live music by Junkyard Angel while attendees browsed the silent auction of over 150 items donated by local businesses and supporters. Table hostesses outdid themselves with their themes this year, creating gorgeous tablescapes with coordinating details and coming dressed in theme with their tables. Table themes included a nod to a recent box office hit, “Childhood Cancer is Wicked,” “Believe in a Cure” Ted Lasso tables, and Pan Am decorated table “First Class Flight to a Cancer-Free Future” just to name a few in a room full of amazingly beautiful tables. A delicious buffet dinner catered by Magnolia Grill followed.
Emcee Andrew Davis guided guests through an evening dedicated to hope and healing. The spotlight shone brightly on Chloe and Nevaeh, two local girls who have faced extraordinary challenges battling cancer almost their entire lives. A poignant video shared their stories, underscoring the importance of support and research for families facing difficult-to-treat cancers. Savannah Leadership Council President, Julie Hayes, shared a deeply personal story of how CURE had been a lifeline for her family during her daughter’s battle with Ewing’s Sarcoma, her words resonating with everyone present. She then invited guests to join in supporting CURE’s vital programs, from providing meals and gas cards for families traveling for treatment to offering counseling and bereavement services. When guests reached the donation goal for the evening, the crowd applauded as they watched seven-year-old Phin, whose journey was featured the year prior, do a victory dance on the big screen. The event closed with an exciting live auction! A wonderful time was had by all.
We would like to thank our Catie’s Gathering title sponsor, Coastal Electric, the event committee, event sponsors, volunteers, table hostesses, vendors, and auction donors for an extremely successful event. Together, we raised $345,267.58 to fight childhood cancer!
