Dataw Island’s annual fundraiser for The Beaufort Memorial Hospital Foundation, Keyserling Cancer Center exceeded last year’s total by raising more than $18,300 in contributions. This effort of the Dataw Island community was spearheaded by the Women’s Golf Association and included a golf tournament, an Honor/Memorial Wall created through golf hole sponsorship, a miniature golf putting tournament, a raffle of prizes donated by those associated with Dataw Island residents, a Margarita Bash sponsored by the Pickleball Club, and a culminating finale with a Battle of the Bands. All were designed to garner contributions to raise funds for the BMHF, Keyserling Cancer Center.
This annual fundraiser is a volunteer-driven event that has become an institution on the Island. The event began in 2002 and celebrated its 20th anniversary this year. Approximately 300 Dataw residents participate each year, all of whom are dedicated to supporting the Beaufort Memorial Hospital Foundation and the Keyserling Cancer Center, an innovative cancer treatment facility located in our hometown of Beaufort, SC.
The Center reports that without donations like the ones from Dataw, the services of the Cancer Center would not be possible. The spirit of hope runs through the tournament and the greater Dataw community; too many people are touched personally or through loved ones by this insidious disease.
"Our success can be attributed to many who helped make the events happen, those who participated in the activities, and those who made monetary contributions to make it a worthwhile fundraiser that will help our overall Beaufort community,” says Dataw member Celeste Nalwasky, who has volunteered to head the event for many years. “Another battle has been won, but the war against cancer of all types continues. Let’s move on to next year and keep fighting!"
Associate Vice President and Chief Development Officer for Beaufort Memorial, Kim Yawn, expresses the hospital's gratitude saying, "Beaufort Memorial is here to serve all the residents of Beaufort, Jasper and Hampton counties who need healthcare. It is thanks to people and tournaments like this that allow those services to not only continue but expand."
The monies raised will go to ensure that cancer services at Beaufort Memorial are high quality. Past funding has supported items like new infusion chairs for chemotherapy treatment that were just purchased in January. While it may seem like a recliner for some, for those patients who have to spend 4 hours/3 days per week in those chairs, having high-tech recliners is a great relief.
Yawn adds, "We appreciate all that the residents of Dataw Island have done over the years to support not only Cancer Services at BMH, but the whole organization! Your gifts make a huge impact in our community!"