Six community leaders from around Knox County are raising money through November 4th to help the American Cancer Society.
The group is called Power in Purple Knox County. It’s the first year they’re raising money to help fight cancer with this campaign.
Galesburg resident Liz Miller says the idea evolved from the University of Illinois’ Coaches Against Cancer, which is a national collaboration of college students, faculty and staff who volunteer for the American Cancer Society.
Group members, called ambassadors, have committed to raise at least $1,000 dollars each and the top earner will be crowned the 2016 Power in Purple champion.
Josh Carpenter, Allyssa Hart, Cheri Hosteng, Joe Riley, Elvith Santoyo and Dena Turner are the first set of local ambassadors.
Though she did not go into detail, Ambassador Dena Turner, a Galesburg native and realtor tells Galesburg’s Morning News on WGIL that cancer very recently affected the lives of her loved ones.
“Last night our family was dealt kind of a big blow,” Turner said emotionally. “It’s kind of ironic that this morning I’m here asking for people to support a cause that I truly have a passion for.”
Power in Purple Knox County members aim to increase awareness and collect donations for Relay for Life. The month of fundraising, which started earlier this month ends with a celebration on November 10th at Budde’s Pizza.
Knox County’s Relay for Life event is scheduled for next summer and benefits the American Cancer Society. The relay allows people to celebrate people fighting cancer and remember lives lost.
The American Cancer Society uses the donations to research cures and provide patient care.
