slideshow

Southwest Technology Center along with Altus Masonic Lodge #62 presented a $6,311.10 check to the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Jackson County to support research efforts in finding a cure for cancer. This year’s donation was made in honor of SWTC Counselor, Jill Chaney, a cancer survivor.

“Southwest Technology Center was extremely pleased to partner with Altus Masonic Lodge #62, for the second year in a row, to sponsor Relay For Life. I am exceptionally proud of our staff for their efforts to raise over $6,000 for American Cancer Society and this important event,” said Bill Weldon, SWTC Superintendent.

The donation was spearheaded by Monica Cox and Cindy Thomas, SWTC employees and team captains, who coordinated the fundraising efforts.

“I’ve participated in Relay For Life for many by attending the event, but felt strongly that the SWTC family could put together a variety of fundraising efforts to raise even more money for American Cancer Society.” Cox said. “I know firsthand how important it is to raise funds for cancer. We have dedicated our efforts to our very own SWTC employee, Jill Chaney, who continues to fight the battle.”

“Originally SWTC and Altus Masonic Lodge #62 set a goal of $5,000 to raise for American Cancer Society. Amazingly, through community and our student support, we were able to exceed that amount and donate over $6,000 to the cause.” Thomas said.

Doris Dollins, Jackson County Relay For Life Chair said, “The generous donation from SWTC and Masonic Lodge #62 helped us raise over 10% of our overall goal of $50,000.”

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is a life-changing event that gives everyone in communities across the globe a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease. At this year’s Relay, teams of people camped out at Altus Junior High and took turns walking, or running, around the track. Each team had a representative on the track at all times during the event. Because cancer never sleeps, Relays are overnight events.

Each year, more than 3.5 million people in 5,000 communities in the United States, along with additional communities in 20 other countries, gather to take part in this global phenomenon and raise much-needed funds and awareness to save lives from cancer. Thanks to Relay participants, the American Cancer Society continues to save lives.