Celestial Celebration

One of the best things about the colder months in the South is the oyster roast.

There’s nothing like an evening with friends around a fire, sharing camaraderie, cold beer, and crackers topped with that tasty roasted ocean treat and a little hot sauce! On Saturday, December 18, the community is invited join the American Cancer Society Victory Board to “Shuck Cancer!” at their 52nd Annual Charity Gala.

Since the very first charity event more than a half century ago, “Harriet’s fashion show” has evolved from that initial luncheon/fashion show at Frederica Yacht Club to a full-blown charity gala. Over the years, the themes for the event have ranged from sparkling soirees to beach carnivals to Southern suppers. All with the goal and hard work of many volunteers to raise funds for the American Cancer Society.

This year’s the gala goes casual under the stars at Sea Island’s Rainbow Island. This memorable December evening will begin at 4:00 p.m. with soul warming cocktails and succulent oysters with delicious accompanying fare. After everyone has shucked their fill, the live auction will begin. Numerous auction items generously donated by not only our community, but surrounding communities as well, will be showcased. Since funds raised will benefit the American Cancer Society, you’re encouraged to bid often and on as many items as you can! To close out the night, Mason Waters & the Groove Allstars will provide musical entertainment, so put on your boogie shoes and get ready to dance the night away! And don’t worry about keeping the babysitter out too late, because things will

wrap up at 8:00 p.m. But if you want to take the party elsewhere and make a full night of it, we won’t tell!

To bring home the importance of supporting the American Cancer Society’s fight to end cancer, the Victory Board highlights a member of our community and requests that they share their own personal experience with cancer. “This year, we’re so honored that Lauren Belt will be joining us to share her story and how the local community has supported her and her family along their journey” says Co-Chair Jeanie Beth Baxter. She continues, “Lauren’s positive outlook during her battle has inspired me from the start, and I am so excited that she will get to share her story with all of you during our event. Gala brings us together for a cause that hits home for so many. By supporting the American Cancer Society, we are dedicated to helping find a cure.”

Lauren is a lifetime member of our community and has inspired so many with her unwavering courage. Here’s a little snippet Lauren shared about her journey: “On April 9th, 2020, when the country began shutting down with COVID, my world shattered. At age 27, I was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, a form of Breast Cancer. In 2020, 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer. Although breast cancer in young adults is rare, more than 250,000 people living in the U.S. were diagnosed under the age of 40. In young adults, breast cancer tends to be diagnosed in later stages and tends to be more aggressive. Nearly 80% of young adults with breast cancer find their abnormality themselves. This was the case with my diagnosis. I was diagnosed, treated early and my projected prognosis is great. Early detection, as in most cancer diagnosis, is the key. Thankfully, I am one of the lucky ones.”

For Victory Board Co-Chairs Lexie Whatley, Claire Bryan, Jeanie Beth Baxter, Laura Peebles, and Emily Alonso, Shuck Cancer is all about creating a memorable experience centered around friends and family, that raises money toward cancer research, local patient support and prevention. “Everyone has been impacted by cancer whether through family and friends or a personal battle, so planning Shuck Cancer is our opportunity to give back to our community,” says Claire Bryan. Emily Alonso

Lauren and John Belt

adds, “We hope that you will take a break during the busy holiday season and join us for a night under the stars as we raise funds to Shuck Cancer!”

Tickets are on sale now for $125/each and can be purchased at ACSVictoryBoard.org. Sponsorship opportunities are also available ranging from $750-$10,000. If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, email shuckcancer2021@gmail.com. Sharpen your knives, ready your gloves, and get ready to shuck!

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