The Dean Randazzo Cancer Foundation (DRCF) today announced another successful fundraising event, this one called Concert for a Cause.
Organized by John Wood, an Atlantic County Local and student at the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, Concert for a Cause was held at Maynard’s Starlight Cafe on Wednesday, August 2nd. With five local bands performing, the event drew in over 300 attendees and raised $5,000.
“I was at school last November and came up with the idea,” Wood said. “We live in a great community where everyone supported us and made donations. I had such a great time doing this. It’s the best feeling and helps me sleep better at night.”
Acts included Cole More; Originaire Music; Kimmi Mac with son Wood on guitar; Guys Upstairs, featuring DRCF’s very own Adam Walcoff; and John Wood and Local Noise.
“We will 100 percent do this again next year,” said Wood. “We are already in the planning stages and will make it even bigger and better. Our goal for next year is to raise $10,000.”
Randazzo and friends launched the foundation after Randazzo himself battled Hodgkin's Lymphoma. The Dean Randazzo Cancer Foundation was created in 2001 with the mission to promote cancer awareness within the surfing community and to provide financial support to people battling cancer.
Since its inception in 2001, The Dean Randazzo Cancer Foundation has strived to provide need-based financial assistance directly to people who have cancer. To date, the foundation has donated over $500,000 to people in need. The organization has also provided grants to Gilda's Club of South Jersey, Shore Medical Cancer Center, The Ruth Newman Shapiro Cancer Fund, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of South Jersey, AtlantiCare, and Cape Regional Cancer Center.
A nationally-registered non-profit 501(c)(3), the foundation is run by a dedicated group of volunteers. This allows DRCF to donate approximately 90% of its proceeds, directly helping members. If you or someone you know is battling cancer and struggling with bills, an application may be obtained by filling out a contact form on the organization's website.