The American Cancer Society’s Southeast Georgia Chapter is highly recognized within the state of Georgia. Each participating community within this chapter builds new momentum both in spirit and drive in all that they do.

Image source: The Brunswick News 

Annual Events Highlights

In this particular highlight, the focus and recognition is on The Golden Isles community, particularly on two annual events they organize and participate in: The Relay for Life and the Victory Gala. Both events grab the attention, time and efforts of a large percentage of the population here. While other unrelated events in area also have strong participation levels, these two really stand out and emphasize the overall unity and connectivity of this community.  As what is typical, previous year involvement and accomplishments are exceeded on all levels…always building upon what was already amazing. Such positive momentum and organization offers insight and a great model on the core strength of this community.

American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Glynn County — A Great Success

May 16, 2008 - The American Cancer Society's Relay For Life of Glynn County, presented by Hodnett Cooper Real Estate, was held on May 2-3, and has raised almost $400,000 to date for the Society's research, education, advocacy and service programs.

Event co-chairs Jessica Hardison, Phaedra McLendon, and Mason Waters led the 2008 planning committee. This year’s Relay brought out more than 1,000 participants on 80 teams. During the Survivors Lap, 465 survivors circled the track and were recognized for winning the battle against cancer. White and gold luminaria bags and Living Luminaria rose bushes circled the track in honor of those touched by cancer and in memory of those lost to the disease. Participants shared written messages of remembrance and hope on the Memory Board displaying the luminaria names.

Now in its 14th year, the Relay For Life of Glynn County has consistently ranked among the top 3 events in the nation for communities its size. In 2006, the Glynn Relay was recognized with the Phylecia D. Wilson Spirit of Relay Award, as the outstanding Relay event in the South Atlantic Division. Many of the teams and participants have been part of the Relay each year since 1995.

The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. For information about cancer, call 1.800.ACS.2345 twenty four hours a day, seven days a week or log onto www.Cancer.org/.

38th Anniversary of the American Cancer Society’s Victory Gala

The South Atlantic Division, Glynn Unit of the American Cancer Society is proud to announce that 2007 marks the 38th Anniversary of the American Cancer Society’s Victory Gala presented by Sea Island Company and Parkwood Village.  The “Jingle Bell Ball,” held on Saturday, December 1, 2007, at The Cloister Ballroom on Sea Island, was the first Christmas event of the season. The evening focused on honoring survivors and the hope of finding a cure.  In addition to dinner and dancing, The Gala featured a silent and live auction, allowing patrons to bid on gifts, fine art, and exciting trips, including a Hawaiian Getaway, a trip to New York’s Fashion Week 2008, and tickets to the 2008 NCAA Gymnastics Championships.

In addition to the auction, the Gala incorporated a “Tree of Hope”, sponsored by W. Scott Kellogg, MD.  The tree displayed jingle bell ornaments in honor or in memory of individuals that have been touched by cancer and was lit by a young cancer survivor and her family.  

Together, the five co-chairs, Detra Brock, Ashley Hornbuckle, Pagent Meredith, Dana Parker, and Catherine Wood, coordinated additional exciting events leading up to the night of the Gala.  On October 13, at St. Williams Catholic Church, children ages 7 to 12 participated in the Second Annual Kid’s Gala, proudly sponsored by Southeast Georgia Health System.  Dancing, music by Sista Fun, party favors, snacks, and beverages were provided, with all proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society.

On November 15, Georgia Crown Distributing Company sponsored a Wine Tasting and Art Party featuring ten to fifteen hand-selected artists and an opportunity to bid on their works. To compliment the fine art, Tramici’s and Coastal Kitchen provided food to pair with the wine to enhance the lovely evening.  

School-aged children kicked off the holiday season on November 19, with a private screening of "The Polar Express."  Georgia Theatre Company sponsored this special event at Island Cinemas on Saint Simons Island. Santa Claus made a guest appearance, with photo opportunities available.

The “Jingle Bell Ball” itself capped this season of parties and events, and set a new benchmark for Gala fundraising in Glynn County, reaching a net total of more than $200,000 and placing the Victory Gala among the Top Two Gala events in the State of Georgia for the American Cancer Society.

Plans for the 2008 Gala are underway, led by co-chairs, Rachel Bailey, Anne Frazier, Brooke Martin, Lee Anne Stone, and Tracy Toth. “Casino Royale” will feature a strolling reception, silent auction, and exciting entertainment. New to the Gala season this year will be the “Run for Victory,” offering families an opportunity to enjoy a 1-mile Fun Run and a 5-k Race.

For further information regarding any of these events, please contact Jenni Morris at the American Cancer Society at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it   or (912) 265-7117.