One of the Largest Gifts in Southeast Georgia History to CURE Childhood Cancer Totals $250k

Staff Report

Friday, December 20th, 2024

 

CURE Childhood Cancer, the only organization providing financial and emotional support to local children and families while raising funds to further critical research specifically for pediatric oncology, has received an extraordinary donation of $250,711.60, one of the largest gifts in Southeast Georgia, made possible by Lawrence Alexander Homes’ innovative "Build for CURE" initiative, with additional support from numerous local businesses and contractors.

The funds were raised through the construction and full-sale proceeds of a home built at 117 Cravey Lane, Rincon, Ga. The ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrated not just the completion of this extraordinary project but also the remarkable sense of community and generosity it inspired.

“We are humbled and overjoyed by this historic donation,” said Jenny Wilkins, Development Director, Events South Georgia at CURE Childhood Cancer. “Lawrence Alexander Homes, along with its trade partners and supporters, has shown us the incredible power of our community coming together to fight childhood cancer. Every dollar of this gift expands our ability to fund lifesaving research and provide much-needed support to children and families navigating pediatric cancer.”

Local builder Alex Long, owner of Lawrence Alexander Homes, spearheaded this initiative after being deeply moved at Catie’s Gathering, a local fundraiser held in honor of Catie Wilkins, a young warrior who faced childhood cancer with remarkable courage. Long partnered with over 30 local businesses who donated time, materials, and labor to bring this project to life, including ABC SupplyAllen's Environmental ServicesBaca Ready Mix of SavannahBuilders FirstSourceByrd Heating & Air ConditioningC&A ElectricChick-fil-A RinconCity Electric Supply RinconGerbasi SignsGreenblade Turf & Sod Co.Jake Patrick & Son PlumbingEmily Pigman and Pia Lynn Keller Williams Realty, Livingood's AppliancesLow Country LightingStorehouse SalvageThe McGraley Co.Yates Astro and more. This united effort brought both skill and compassion to the table, amplifying the project’s impact.

“As a father myself, hearing about these children battling cancer and seeing the incredible work CURE does to provide them hope and support struck a chord with me,” said Alex Long. “This donation represents the heart of our community—we all came together to make a difference.”

This donation will significantly impact CURE's mission to conquer childhood cancer. The funds will directly support targeted research and lifesaving treatments, as well as enhance services available for children battling cancer and their families, ranging from emotional support to financial assistance. This record-breaking gift also shines a spotlight on the lack of sufficient federal funding for childhood cancer research, emphasizing the critical role private donors play in advancing medical breakthroughs and supporting affected families.

Since its founding in 1975, CURE has contributed over $38 million to research projects and initiatives benefiting children battling cancer, yet the fight is far from over. This substantial donation underscores the value of community-driven efforts and sets a new benchmark for philanthropy in the region.