MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Cancer Council of Reno County is welcoming a new development director while preparing for a busy October of cancer awareness activities, fundraising and a ceremony honoring people affected by the disease.
Executive Director Ashley Thompson introduced Alexis Rhodenbaugh during an interview on the BW Morning Show. Rhodenbaugh joined the staff about a week ago, bringing approximately 10 years of involvement with the organization.
Rhodenbaugh said she began by attending events and serving on committees before joining the board of directors and most recently serving as vice president. Her background also includes banking and business ownership with her husband, Travis.
Thompson said the organization’s staff and board members will travel throughout Reno County this month to support breast cancer awareness activities and school pink nights.
The council’s work extends beyond awareness, providing financial assistance, emotional support and connections to resources for cancer patients and their families.
“We do try to close that gap in between what is outside the physician’s walls or your provider’s walls,” Thompson said, including needs insurance does not cover.
She said the goal is to provide “a sense of community to every patient and every family that we can.”
One new fundraiser is already traveling through the county. K and K Trailer Sales donated a pink trailer for the council’s “Pink on the Move” campaign, which began Oct. 1 and continues through Oct. 31.
The trailer will visit participating businesses and organizations, giving residents opportunities to see it and purchase raffle tickets. The winning ticket will be drawn Nov. 2.
Thompson said upcoming school activities include a Buhler soccer pink night Oct. 8 and a Fairfield football pink night Oct. 24. The pink trailer also is scheduled to appear at Fairfield.
The council is planning its Starlight remembrance and honor ceremony Oct. 10, with support from Gentiva Hospice.
The evening will include food trucks, entertainment from The Pointe School of Dance and decorated lanterns placed in the water at dusk. Families can personalize lanterns for their loved ones.
Thompson said the ceremony recognizes people who have died, those undergoing treatment and those who have survived cancer.
“All of these individuals deserve the right to be recognized,” she said.
Families can submit a loved one’s name through the Cancer Council’s Facebook page. Attendance is not required for someone to be included in the ceremony.
Later in the month, the council will hold its third annual Raise a Glass bourbon tasting Oct. 23 at Hummingbird Aircraft. Leading Edge Technologies and Network Management Group are presenting sponsors.
Thompson said the event will feature bourbon flights, food and an opportunity to raise money for local cancer patients.
Planning also is underway for the Reno County Roundup, scheduled for Feb. 20 at the Kansas State Fairgrounds. Thompson described it as the organization’s largest fundraiser, drawing more than 900 people.
Rhodenbaugh said supporters interested in donating money or items, or helping with the event, can contact the council through Facebook, Instagram, its website or a board member.
“We are happy to take your donations and give you direction on what else you can do if you’d like to help more,” Rhodenbaugh said.