Hope, accomplishment, pride, relief and excitement are just a few words that a cancer patient feels when it’s their turn to “ring the bell.” It’s a day that no patient ever forgets. While it may not mean the end of their treatment, it does end a specific journey at a cancer facility, which signifies that the patient is going to start a new chapter of their lives.
Over the last year, a group of hardworking community members came together to create a new nonprofit in Southeast Texas – Go 4 The Bell – which is the only 501-c-3 pediatric cancer organization between New Orleans, Louisiana and Houston, Texas. The core of their work lies in the continuous passion and dedication by promoting the healing and well-being of children and their families, impacted by cancer.
Go 4 The Bell’s first-ever gala is set for Saturday, Aug. 17, at 7 p.m. inside the Beaumont Civic Center. All 100% of the proceeds raised will stay withing the community to assist pediatric cancer patients and their families with their expenses. Tickets and sponsorships are available online at go4thebell.com.
The entertainment for the fundraiser features live music from Dos Borrachos – Kevin Fowler and Roger Creager, who are two pioneers of Texas country music. Popular local musician, Jamie Talbert, will also perform.
If that wasn’t enough, an impressive array of items will be up for raffle including $5,000 American Express gift cards, Glock 43 pistol with a unique white and gold Louis Vitton cerokote, crawfish boil for 100 people, multiple deer and hog hunts, as well as concert tickets to see George Strait, Little Big Town and Chris Stapleton perform in Las Vegas during National Rodeo Finals in December.
Roni Stephenson Gillespie and her husband, Kirk, are cofounders of Go 4 The Bell.
“The vision came to my heart,” said Roni. “I’ve had a passion for kids, but working with them throughout my life and volunteering on different committees, I became very close to some pediatric cancer patients and their families. I thought this would be something I could do when I retire, but I kept having a little dream in my heart for this.”
Roni was introduced to a family with three children, two of which had health problems.
“The middle child had no health concerns and that’s all I could think about nonstop,” said Roni. “I kept asking myself, ‘How does this family not only take care of two children with medical needs, but what about the other child?’ ‘Do they get to do all the things we got to do when we were little?’ That’s when my husband Kirk finally told me one day, ‘Stand up or quit talking about it.’ My heart couldn’t take it anymore so here we are.”
The inaugural gala will be chaired by Terri and Lee Potter, who are also board members for Go 4 The Bell.
“We were extremely honored when Roni asked,” said Terri. “When I met Roni a couple years ago, we were working on another committee together and I knew right off that her passion was for kids. Not only with what she does in her everyday life, but you could tell it was her true passion.
“We’re happy to kick the first year off and it’s extremely humbling to see the support that we are getting from the community for the first event. All the money we raise will stay local, but families can also go to our website to apply for assistance. Whether its help to get to and from treatments or a hotel. Money can also be used to help those children who may not be sick, but must miss out on camps. Some may have guilt and don’t want to ask to do things. You don’t really know what a family goes through until you have a family member who is diagnosed with cancer. It definitely impacts the children.”
Roni said Terri was the first person she called when it was time to start planning.
“The Potters are the perfect fit,” she said. “They have a heart for children and our community.”
According to the chairs, there will be plenty of memories to be made as well as surprises throughout the night that will release your inner child to enjoy the magic of the moment.
“Everything raised goes back to the community,” added Gillespie. “We have a provision in our bylaws that founders, nor board members, receive any financials from the funds. We are 100% volunteers. There will be some emotional moments, but we want you to have a great time at the gala and know that you are a part of a village that is caring for our children.”
For detailed information about the gala or the cause, visit go4thebell.com.