weBuild : News Releases

Artist Needed for Art for Life

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

BY DEAN POLING THE VALDOSTA DAILY TIMES

Area artists are donating works to fight cancer. Area artist and cancer survivor Ann Johnston is asking artists to donate works to benefit the Partnership Cancer Fund, which helps supplement Lowndes County cancer patients’ costs.

Johnston has received promises from about 25 artists so far to contribute works for the annual event. She hopes more will participate.

Through similar donations last year, area artists raised approximately $14,000 during “two and a half hours of spirited bidding,” Johnston says. “The success of this event in the middle of a terrible re-cession was affirmation of the power of a local cause.”

Those funds helped 496 cases since the last auction, Johnston says.

Dr. John Devine, an oncologist with the local Pearlman Comprehensive Cancer Center, created the fw1d to help cancer patients pay for the additional unexpected costs of treatment. The fund is separate from the American Cancer Society.

The fund is for patients who are Lowndes County residents or are being treated for cancer in Lowndes County. I MORE INFORMATION Contact Ann Johnston. (229) 247-6311.

The Partnership supplements patients for costs outside the primary cancer treatment expenses. It can help pay the cost of gas traveling for treatment; medication needed to cope with the cancer treatment, such as nausea medicine to curb the effects of chemotherapy; nutritional supplements to help a patient retain strength during treatment; durable medical equipment that may be needed at home.

Qualified recipients can receive up to $1,000 in any two quarters and $500 in the other quarters of a calendar year. They can re-apply each quarter.

To participate in the auction, artists may donate works through Feb. 14.

The Partnership Cancer Fund’s Art for Life show /auction is scheduled for 6-8 p.m., March 12, Two Friends Cafe and Market, 3338-B Country Club Road.

Then, visitors should find acrylic, oil and watercolor paintings; pen-and-ink, pencil and charcoal drawings; limited-edition prints; mixed-media creations; wood; pottery; photography; needlepoint; jewelry; as well as event tickets on which to bid.

Lessons in the Garden

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 04:00:00 GMT

Mary, Mary, quite contrary, how does your garden grow?

“With cucumbers, egg plant, squash, and tomatoes—lots of tomatoes.” “Little Grape tomatoes.” “Great-big Beefsteak tomatoes.” “Medium- size Homestead tomatoes.”

These are some of the answers from kids in South Georgia at the “Lessons Learned in Our Garden” workshop in September, part of Valdosta Veggie Gardens, a Healthy Living Task Force project funded by a ConAgra Foods Foundation Community Impact grant and Georgia Department of Public Health funding.

Projects such as Valdosta Veggie Gardens are important to Lowndes County Partnership For Health’s Healthy Living Task Force in providing hands-on opportunities for kids as well as adults in making the food connection in an effort to eat more fruits and vegetables and to increase daily exercise for young and old alike.

“Wow! You should’ve seen the sunflowers we planted. They were humongous. Mr. Reggie (the director of Boys and Girls Club of Valdosta, Barwick Road unit) must have a green thumb ,” Raymond shared with the group as he reported the successes of their efforts to clean up and then plant in an overgrown, neglected courtyard where their Boys and Girls Club unit is located in Quitman, GA. “The kids cleaned up the piles of trash, old paint cans, and tree limbs in old Brooks County High School courtyard. They worked hard just to get the place ready,” he added.

“We had more successes than we had failures,” added the group from Quality of Life Association (QUOLA) Summer Enrichment Program whose garden is located in once thriving downtown area. “Our failures were not really ‘ours’ failures. Some of our plants were stolen. Maybe the people were hungry. We just wish they had not taken the entire plant.”
While most of the gardens are located in secure areas and some gardens were fenced-in, a few sites reported having vegetables stolen.
“These are challenging times for a lot of folks who have lost jobs and have little money,” added one of the adult leaders. “We need to have more gardens, especially community gardens to help feed our people.”

Indeed, additional gardens as well as community gardens are being planted this fall in South Georgia as the Valdosta Veggie Gardens project provides seed, plants, fertilizer, water hoses and sprinklers, gardening tools such as hoes, shovels, and rakes, and advice to novice and seasoned gardeners. Funding for these gardens is through South Health District and Lowndes County Partnership For Health with the City of Valdosta and various organizations providing the land and volunteers.

For more information about Valdosta Veggie Gardens and the ConAgra Foods Foundation Youth Action Project as well as the Healthy Living Task Force, please contact Diane Howard at dhoward202@mchsi.com.

Partnership Cancer Fund Golf Tournament - October 21st

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 04:00:00 GMT

On Friday, October 21st, the Partnership Cancer Fund will be hosting a Golf Tournament to support local cancer patients. The tournament will be held at Valdosta Country Club. Registration is at 8:00AM with a Shot Gun Start at 9:00. 4 Man Scramble format. Lunch is provided. Team entry fee: $500. Individual entry fee: $125.

Honor or memorialize a loved one or co-worker who has been diagnosed with cancer by purchasing a sign which will be displayed on the course during the tournament. The sign will state in honor or memory of the person you designate and will have your name or your company name as the sponsor. – $100

Hole in one sponsor is Valdosta Toyota Scion

Become a sponsor by contacting Kate at 229-249-0940

Donor Story - Don Allen, State Farm Insurance

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 04:00:00 GMT

While there are many reasons people give to charitable organizations, the overall consensus is we as people believe in helping others. Without our donors, the Partnership Cancer Fund could not continue to operate. We recently had the opportunity to speak with one of our local donors and find out why he chose to give to this particular charity. Don Allen, a local insurance agent in Valdosta, has been donating to the Partnership Cancer Fund for three years now. Mr. Allen originally learned of the Partnership Cancer Fund through a contact with one of the board members. While he had previously donated to various charities over the years, he was interested in giving money to a local charity.

“I like the idea of a local charity and think it is a worthwhile cause. I also like that the Partnership Cancer Fund has almost no overhead. I personally have not had cancer but other members of my family have had to battle that ordeal. A close family member of my wife’s was diagnosed with cancer when he was only in his 50’s. Unfortunately, there weren’t any treatment options available to him due to the severity of his condition.” Mr. Allen went on to mention they had two other members who had cancer as well. Since his initial contribution in 2009, Don Allen has continued to offer support to the Partnership Cancer Fund.

Two Cancer Fund Recipients Speak Out

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 04:00:00 GMT

Ms. Sarah Thornton – “I could not have come for treatment without help from the PCF” “I can concentrate on getting well vs how am I going to find a way to afford going in for treatment” and “I just never knew that there was someone that could help me before PCF.”

Mr. Theodore Banach states that “since he has had to quit his job for treatment, PCF helping with medicine has been truly needed and appreciated”.

Partnership Cancer Fund 5K Fun Run

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 04:00:00 GMT

On September 10, 2011, The Partnership Cancer Fund hosted its first ever 5K Run and fun walk. With support from various local sponsors and participants the Partnership Cancer Fund raised over $2,900. From elite athletes to recreational runners and walkers, over 59 participants ranging from ages 15 to 78 years old showed up to participate.

Awards were given to the top two runners in each age group for both women and men, as well as awards for the top two overall winners. The overall winner, Michael McFadden finished with a run time 21:11. The second place winner, Hudson Tanner finished in 21:43. Top female finisher was Gretchen Bielmyer, who finished in 22:24.

Many of the people who came out were members of families directly affected by cancer. Many participants, being avid runners, felt the Partnership Cancer Fund would be a great charity to donate time and money to.

The race would not have been possible without many local sponsors. The sponsors included Don Allen State Farm, Waller Heating and Air, and First Federal Savings & Loan. The Partnership would also like to say thank you to each individual participant.

Barnes 5K Fun Run

Sat, 16 Jul 2011 04:00:00 GMT

Barnes Health Care Services has been a long time supporter of the Partnership Cancer Fund. Currently, they serve as the primary vendor for nutritional supplements and medical equipment for PCF recipients.

Each year Barnes hosts an annual 5K fun run. Last year they contributed $3,803.66 of the proceeds to the Partnership Cancer Fund. This year’s contribution will also exceed $3,000. We are truly indebted to the care that Barnes exhibits to local cancer patients through the Partnership Cancer Fund.

Hahira Cancer Day

Sat, 02 Jul 2011 04:00:00 GMT

During Hahira Cancer Day Eula Copeland helps folks remember those lost to cancer and those who have survived. This year Miss Eula, as her friends call her, and her group of organizers raised $4,000 for the Partnership Cancer Fund.

The event features barbecue dinners from Miller Bar-B-Q, a bake sale, as well as $1 raffle tickets for a bag of groceries donated by Fiveash Grocery.

Organizers also asked participants to bring photos of loved ones who have battled cancer in order to create a tribute to those who lost the struggle and those who have survived.

“We hope to create a wall of people in the area,” Copeland says. “Some who have died, some still fighting cancer. So that people will remember that cancer affects the people we know and love.”

Affair of the Decades Fund Raiser for the Partnership Health Center

Sat, 29 Jan 2011 05:00:00 GMT

January 29, 2011 – Affair of the Decades

On Saturday, January 29, 2011, the Partnership Health Center staff hosted the 3rd Annual Affair of the Decades fundraiser at the Fruit of the Garden Winery and Gifts in Valdosta, GA. Attendees dressed in the attire of the their favorite decade and danced the night away to the tunes of the East Beach Blues Band from Tifton, GA.

The event was held to raise funds for the Partnership Health Center, a free primary care clinic for the working uninsured in Lowndes County. Those in attendance enjoyed a wine tasting, wonderful desserts by Buddy Boswell, owner of Daily Dinners Personal Chef Services, and beverages donated by Pepsi and Johnson Distributing and a silent auction with items from Stage 51 Coffee &Wine House, Lemongrass Spa, Arrow Screen Printing, Masato, Donna Nolan, Prepaid Superstore, J Carbone, Sublime, Mockingbird, Southern Pecan, Friday Afternoon, David Clark, El Toreo, Jungle Jyms, Fruity Bouquet, Kent’s Hair and Tanning Salon, Dr. Lacie Guy, Mindful Massage, Hahira Nursery, Valdosta Chiropratic and Rehab, and Pop Bellies.

This year, the Affair of the Decades was held in honor of Dr. Lynne Feldman, who had served for 3 years as volunteer medical director for the clinic. She is stepping down from her position to chair the Advisory Board of the clinic. She recently retired as the Medical Director for the South Health District but we are thrilled that she plans to continue her involvement with the Partnership Health Center.

Libby Smith, Clinic Director, also recognized the work of Amy Draper, who is leaving her position as Director of Development to take on a new job with Wiregrass Georgia Technical College. We wish Amy the best as she embarks on this new adventure.

The event would not have been possible without our wonderful sponsors. They include: Hand Surveying, Landis International, Donna Nolan, Avery Moody, Joyce Akins, Dr. William Gee, Michele Daugherty, Miller Hardware, South health District, Laura Feese, First State Bank and Trust, Amy Carter, Joan Scoggins, Nick Lacey, South Georgia Medical Center, Mary Margaret Richardson, Stella Clark, Smith Northview Hospital, Azalea Health Innovations, Dr. Anita Hufft, Commercial Banking Company, Dr. Larry Smith, Dan Ayers, Dr. Leon Meeks, Patricia Scoby, and Dr. Lynne Feldman.

Partnership Health Center Receives $1,750 Grant for Diabetes Management Classes for the Second Year

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 04:00:00 GMT

VALDOSTA, GA— The South Georgia Nursing Collaborative, a Chapter of the Georgia Nurses Association, recently awarded the Partnership Health Center a $1,750 grant for their diabetes education program for the second year in a row. The South Georgia Nursing Collaborative works to shape the future of professional nursing and advocates for quality health care.

The Partnership Health Center, a free clinic for the working, uninsured in Lowndes County, offers free services such as primary medical care, counseling, medications, and diabetes management classes. Amy Draper states, “Our goal is to educate our patients on how to manage their chronic illness through portion control, diet, exercise, and a support group.”

Chef Buddy Boswell, owner of Daily Dinners and a pre-diabetic himself, donates his time by preparing a three course meal and providing the patients with diet education. To learn more about the clinic and our free services contact Amy Draper at 229-245-0020 or visit our website on to www.lcpfh.org.