Savannah’s 2016 BigWigs Raise Record Donations in October
(SAVANNAH, GA) Susan G. Komen Coastal Georgia’s class of 2016 BigWigs in Savannah raised a record amount of donations during its annual fall BigWig Campaign. Ten local leaders raised a total of $46,990, making it a record year for the creative fundraising effort that asks community VIPs to don pink wigs to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer services in Coastal Georgia.
“This is an impressive accomplishment on its own, but even more noteworthy because of the disruption of Hurricane Matthew,” said Aileen Gabbey, Executive Director of the Affiliate. “These community leaders were determined to raise funds and awareness all month, and they succeeded handily.”
“The community was incredibly supportive,” shared top BigWig fundraiser Cecilia Russo of Cecilia Russo Marketing. “Susan G. Komen Coastal Georgia is serving women in need year-round, and we wanted to spread the message and raise critical funds to continue this work.”
Dubbed “BigWigs” by the local Komen Affiliate, these leaders led a six-week campaign to serve as breast cancer advocates, all while raising funds to save lives locally and advance global research initiatives. The original goal for the campaign was to raise $15,000 to fund these programs. The current campaign exceeded this goal by raising over $45,000, making it the most successful BigWig effort to date.
By raising $11,432, Russo was recognized as the Biggest BigWig since the campaign started in 2014. She attributes her successful fundraising efforts to her commitment to fight cancer on all levels. “I learned that Komen Coastal Georgia funds local programs such as critical mammograms and screenings. I wanted to contribute my efforts to help save lives in our community.”
Each BigWig asked friends and family for donations and held creative events during the campaign. Fundraisers included everything from raffles to wine tastings to personal solicitations.
“Being a part of the campaign really opened my eyes,” shared BigWig Chris Miltiades, President of Workmen’s Circle Credit Union, who raised $7,240. “Survivors would come up and thank me for wearing the pink wig. I saw that there are real people out there affected by breast cancer. It’s not just a statistic.”
The 2016 BigWig Campaign local leaders included:
– Daveniya Fisher, Attorney
– Marianne Ganem-Poppell, Johnnie Ganem Wine & Package Shop and Savannah Master Calendar
– Brynn Grant, Chief Operations Officer, Savannah Economic Development Authority
– Brad Harmon, Partner, HunterMaclean
– Gif Lockley, Principal, Savannah Arts Academy
– Chris Miltiades, President, Workmen’s Circle Credit Union
– Roger Moss, Executive Director, Savannah Children’s Choir
– Russ Riesinger, News Anchor/Reporter, WTOC
– Cecilia Russo, Cecilia Russo Marketing
– Tammy Young, Vice President, S Bank
Visit www.komencoastalgeorgia.org for more information.
ABOUT SUSAN G. KOMEN® AND THE KOMEN COASTAL GEORGIA AFFILIATE
Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen® and launched the global breast cancer movement. Our vision is a world without breast cancer. The Susan G. Komen Coastal Georgia Affiliate has invested over $2.2 million in local breast health programs and screenings in Bryan, Bulloch, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long and McIntosh Counties.
CONTACT
Aileen Gabbey, Executive Director
Susan G. Komen Coastal Georgia
912.232-2535 or 410-274-3027
aileen@komencoastalgeorgia.org
MEDIA INQUIRIES
Cecilia Russo
Cecilia Russo Marketing, LLC
912.665.0005
info@crussomarketing.com