Throughout October, Sonic of Greenwood is going pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The drive-in restaurant is also holding a fundraiser for the Caring & Sharing for Cancer foundation through the sale of pink visors and lanyards this month.
The visors are $10 each, and the lanyards are $5. Those who would like to purchase one should either tell a carhop or ask to speak with the general manager, Tommy McCrory.
McCrory said that the cause is important to him, because he has had family and friends who have been affected by breast cancer.
“It’s important to me, and it’s something that I want to support,” he said.
This year, McCrory choose to donate the profits from the fundraiser to Caring & Sharing for Cancer — created by Paula Provine, a breast cancer survivor — because of the nonprofit’s mission is to help locals who have cancer.
“I’ve known Paula since before she started this organization,” said McCrory. “I have a lot of respect for Paula — the way she fought cancer and stayed strong.”
The Caring & Sharing for Cancer foundation was started in 2013 after Provine had recovered from her bout with cancer.
“Paula really had a desire to help people locally,” said Vicki Morgan, vice president of Caring & Sharing.
The foundation awards funds to those who are being treated for cancer and reside in Leflore and Carroll counties. Patients who need financial assistance are referred to Caring & Sharing by local doctors and their staffs.
The patients can use the funds for necessities such as medicine, gas, food or assistance with bills.
“We’re here to help pick up slack, and every case is considered individually — there’s a board of 10 of us — on a case-by-case basis,” said Morgan. “All of the money we get stays in Leflore and Carroll counties.”
In its third year of operation, Caring & Sharing gives $250 per request.
Most recently, Caring & Sharing has also begun disbursing funds to those from surrounding areas who are receiving treatment in Leflore County or Carroll County.
Morgan said the nonprofit is thankful for the fundraiser.
“He just stepped up, contacted Paula and said that he wanted to do this,” she said. “This will help us reach our goal this year, and our goal is to make money to help more people in Leflore and Carroll counties.”
Caring & Sharing is also gearing up for its annual gala, which is a fundraising event. This year’s gala is Dec. 5 at Greenwood Country Club. It will feature live entertainment by Curb Service, dancing, food and fellowship. Ticket sales will begin at the end of the month.
“Many of us who are involved in the foundation are involved, because we have family members who were touched in some form by cancer,” said Morgan. “I personally have lost members of my immediate family — my mother, father, brother, sister and my husband.”
This year, Caring & Sharing has helped about 12 people. Morgan has high hopes, with the community’s support, that the organization can expand and continue to help with some of the financial burdens that locals with cancer may face.
“We started with zero funds and an idea,” said Morgan. “It took us about a year to get it going and get it started. It’s been amazing how the community has stepped forward to help this foundation.”
To learn more about Caring & Sharing for Cancer or the gala or to make a donation, call Provine at 299-5622 or Morgan at 299-7836. Caring & Sharing can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/caringandsharingoflefloreandcarrollcounty.
• Contact Ruthie Robison at 581-7233 or rrobison@gwcommonwealth.com.
