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It's simple, really. We raise money for the American Cancer Society.

Our benefit started in 2002 as a birthday party for Mike, who was turning 30. In lieu of a gift, we asked that everyone bring a donation for the American Cancer Society instead. During the planning stages, we also decided to do a 50/50 and a prize raffle. It wasn't a big event--just family and close friends. But that night we knew that we would do it every year. Not as a birthday party--as it's own stand-alone benefit.

Each year the event has grown bigger. We now have corporate sponsors, a silent auction that raises a lot of money, and a great turnout that night in addition to the donations coming in from those who can't attend. In 2007, we had over 150 people at the benefit and raised around $9000.


In the grand scheme of things, $9000 is not a lot of money. We know that we aren't changing the world and that we aren't even making a huge impact through our efforts. Other than our contact at the local American Cancer Society office, the organization probably doesn't even know we exist.

But we're here. And even though it's not a huge impact that we're making, it's an impact nonetheless. We enjoy organizing the benefit, enjoy seeing our family and friends all together on that night, and enjoy knowing that we're doing something good. So that someday maybe there will be one child who doesn't have to watch their mother die from such a horrible disease, as Mike and I did.

As the years pass and the benefit grows, I imagine a $200-a-plate gala event with tuxes and ball gowns and local celebrities in attendance. And eventually a foundation--The Locke Cancer Research Foundation--that we run full-time. But, if we end up 40 benefits from now at the same place, with the same people, raising money for the American Cancer Society, that's fine too. We'll still be helping an organization that helped us in a time of need.

If you or someone you love has never been affected by cancer and what it can do, you're lucky. And probably in the minority. We're just trying to do our part so that hopefully someday cancer will be a rarity--the exception instead of the norm.

Thank you for your time, your donations, and your interest.

Shawna Locke