Dunk and Donate For The Kids!

My good friend and supply chain management senior, Jane-Anna Caldwell, is the proud new president of the year-round fundraising event, For The Kids.

As I mentioned in one of my blog posts from Sept., For The Kids is a year-round fundraising event that supports the Hematology and Oncology Clinic at the East Tennessee Children’s Hospital. Since it was founded, For The Kids has raised over a million dollars for kids fighting cancer and blood disorders. Needless to say, I feel pretty honored to be able to serve on the executive committee.

Every Tuesday, we have a meeting at 8 p.m., and every meeting we start off with one of our “whys” – why we are involved – why we love FTK – why it means so much to us.

I asked Jane-Anna why she loved this organization so much, and she said, “Not only is it amazing to be able to offer the hospital funds, but also it is great to be able to build friendships with the children. They are all facing battles that are tougher than anything I have ever gone through, so it is especially life-changing to watch them fight with such strength. I have found that the best way to serve your community is to find something that you love doing and do it as much possible.”

President Jane-Anna and two of the children from ETCH at FTK 2015.

In efforts to showcase our love for this organization and these wonderful children, we have a blog about why we got involved and why we continue to dedicate our time to this organization.

As executive members, we have all set personal fundraising goals of $300; however, Jane-Anna has set her goal at $1,000. With ambitious spirits and hearts filled with passion for these children, I do not think that we will have any trouble reaching our goal of $70,000 (to be reached by the main event in the spring).

A few of us at the executive member orientation in August 2015.

Throughout the year, FTK hosts many different fundraising events in order to raise as much money and awareness as we possibly can. This Sunday, Nov. 1st, we are having an event called, “Dunk & Donate.” This event will be held in the HPER Building on UT’s campus and will have UT’s basketball players and staff there. Players will compete 3-on-3 with single elimination. All money raised will go to kids fighting cancer and blood disorders.

We would absolutely love your support at this event and every event we have! To learn more about For The Kids at UTK, visit the website: http://www.ftkutk.org.