The 16th Annual Candler Clays Charity Shoot and Auction once again bested last year’s record, raising more than $176,000 for Advancements in Cancer Care in the Savannah region.
 
The event has raised more than $1 million since its inception, benefitting the Nancy N. and J.C. Lewis Cancer & Research Pavilion at St. Joseph’s/Candler.
 
“The success of Candler Clays is directly related to the incredible team of volunteers that have been committed to this effort for many, many years, coupled with the St. Joseph’s/Candler Foundations team,” said Anne Bone, Chair of the 2018 Candler Clays Committee. “I am honored and humbled to have played a small role in the success of the event and appreciate everyone's effort to ensure its ongoing significance and contribution to patient care at the Lewis Cancer & Research Pavilion.”
 
Candler Clays is an annual two-day event combining a charity auction of items donated by local merchants and a clay shooting competition at the Forest City Gun Club. This year 250 shooters on 72 teams competed. J.E. Dunn Construction was the presenting sponsor. Shooters and guests came from all over the region as well as South Carolina and Florida.
 
The previous high fundraising mark was about $161,000, set last year.
 
Each year the event honors a survivor or memorializes someone who died of cancer. This year’s honoree was Louise Vaughn Lauretti, a wife and mother who was active in many local organizations, serving on the boards of Savannah Country Day School, Bethesda Women’s Board and Historic Savannah Foundation. She was diagnosed with melanoma in 2010 and fought her disease with grace, determination, courage, and humor. Lauretti lost her battle with cancer in 2014, and is survived by her husband, Scott, and two daughters.