Hancock County Fights Cancer June 1st!

Hancock County Fights Cancer teams are planning now for their summer block party on June 1. While the event is several months away, the group works all year to raise money to fight cancer and to help those locally who are being treated for cancer. The group held their first event in June of 2014. “People of Hancock County have always been very generous to the cause of fighting cancer,” said HCFC chairman, Cynthia Stewart.
“We started this group so that more of the donations they give could stay right here in the county to help our own people, as well as continue to seek a cure.”
The annual HCFC Block Party will be on the courthouse square in Carthage on Saturday, June 1.

 Along with the celebration of cancer survivors, there will be food, entertainment, a men’s high heels race, a car show, silent auction, “Hearts of Hope”, and more.
Last year, teams raised $42,194 as of July 15, 2023. After expenses were paid, the group
presented a check for $15,600 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for cancer research, and a second check for $23,400 to HUGS of Hancock County, the local cancer support group. “Our goal is to raise money for these two wonderful groups, to celebrate cancer survivors, and to honor those who are in treatment or have been lost to cancer,” said Kris Pilkington, event chairman for HCFC.
The HCFC board has voted that the funds raised in 2024 will again be given to HUGS (60
percent) and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (40 percent).

“While the summer event is the focal point of HCFC efforts, teams work on fundraising all
through the year,” Pilkington said.
Memorial Hospital, Marine Bank, Fortress Bank and Carthage Veterinary Service teams have been doing internal fundraising among employees during the year.
“Hearts of Hope” honoring those who have battled cancer are available for $5 each from any team member, at Fortress Bank, or from businesses around the county.
Watch for further team events to be held during the months leading up to the block party in June. More teams are urged to organize to support this cause. Teams can be formed by a few friends, a business or organization.
For information on how to form a team, call HCFC board president, Cynthia Stewart at   217-357- 8563, email at cstewart@mhtlc.org or call Kris Pilkington at 217-430-4724. The next meeting of the planning committee is Feb. 26, at 5 p.m. at Los Charros in Carthage, if anyone would like to join and learn more about HCFC.
Sponsors are welcomed and will be honored throughout the block party. To become a sponsor, contact Kim Taylor or Kari Davis at Fortress Bank.
Anyone can go to the HCFC website or Facebook page to learn more about this year’s event, as plans develop. Donations to a specific team can be made at the website. HCFC webpage is www.hancockcountyfightscancer.org.
Hancock County Fights Cancer is a 501c3 not-for-profit organization formed in 2014.

 Wayne and Rhonda Young of Warsaw who are both among the survivors honored last year

HCFC board members, on right, presenting a check for $23,400 to HUGS of Hancock County board members last fall