Autumn 2023 Community Fundraiser Highlights

This fall, CCF community members across the country united their friends, family, and neighbors through various unique and successful Community Fundraising events benefiting the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation’s research and patient services programs. Thank you to everyone who planned a fundraiser, attended an event, or donated to support a friend or family member’s fundraiser. Events like these make a significant difference, and we are grateful for the time, creativity, and passion that each of these fundraisers share with CCF and their communities!

Hosting a Community Fundraiser is a fantastic way to educate your community on cholangiocarcinoma, raise awareness and funds, and have fun together! Check out some of the phenomenal events that took place this fall below. If you want to host a CCF Community Fundraiser, please visit https://cholangiocarcinoma.org/donate/become-a-community-fundraiser/.

#ChelleStrong Golf Outing

The Strati family united their friends and family in South Bend, Indiana, on Monday, September 18th, for a day of laughter, golf, and community to raise funds and awareness for the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation in memory of Michelle “Chelle” Strati. The first Annual #ChelleStrong Golf Outing was a huge success; with over 108 golfers, they raised more than $15,700 for crucial research and patient services. The event was organized by Chelle’s children, Noah, Samantha, and Aubrey, and their families, Chelle’s husband, Alex, and supported by a vast network of extended family, friends, and community members. Chelle’s loved ones honored her by wearing her favorite colors, making shirts with her favorite flower (daisies), baking her favorite “Monster Cookies,” and telling stories about her love for bringing people together. To learn more about the “#ChelleStrong Golf Outing,” visit https://curecca.link/ChelleStrong.

A Hike for Jill. A Hike for a Cure.

A little rain couldn’t keep friends and family of Jill Coyle out of the mountains to complete the 5th Annual “A Hike for Jill. A Hike for a Cure.” Since 2019, Kevin Coyle has organized a Saturday spent in the mountains hiking, enjoying nature, and remembering his late wife, Jill. This year’s hike occurred on September 23 at Mount Monroe, the fourth-highest peak in New Hampshire’s beautiful White Mountains. In Jill’s honor, Kevin aims to hike all 10 of the highest peaks in New Hampshire. Kevin and company crossed mountain number four off their list and raised more than $4,457 in donations for cholangiocarcinoma research and patient services. To learn more about “A Hike for Jill. A Hike for a Cure.” please visit https://curecca.link/HikeforJill.

Kenton & Preston’s Cider Stand

On Saturday, October 7, 2023, Preston and Kenton hosted an apple cider stand fundraiser to cure bile duct cancer in memory of their grandpa, James K. Welling. The boys sold hot cider and delicious baked goods and greeted their customers with a warm hug and a smile, raising more than $3,000 for cholangiocarcinoma research and patient services. To learn more about Kenton & Preston’s cider stand, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/kandpciderstand.

Heartbreak to Healing Bridge Challenge

Approximately 63 members of the Ponte Vedra Community in Northeast Florida met at Heartbreak Bridge at 4:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 21, to complete the “Heartbreak to Healing Bridge Challenge.” Three people ran a marathon (26.2 miles), 20 others ran a half marathon (13.1 miles), and another 30-40 joined for a couple of laps over Heartbreak Bridge. This event raised more than $12,000 for the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation’s research and patient services programs in memory of two beloved members of the Ponte Vedra Community, Emily Leeds and Jeff McCrea. To learn more about the “Heartbreak to Healing Bridge Challenge,” visit https://curecca.link/BridgeChallenge.

Let’s Dance for a Cure

On Saturday, November 4th, CCA patient and longtime dancer Kathy Harger hosted “Let’s Dance for A Cure,” CCF’s first-ever square dance fundraiser in Renton, Washington, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting cholangiocarcinoma research and patient services. The event included live music, a silent auction and raffle, delicious food and baked goods, and square dancing! Kathy raised more than $10,800 for cholangiocarcinoma research and patient services, bringing crucial awareness to her community. To learn more about “Let’s Dance for a Cure,” visit https://curecca.link/DanceforaCure.

Touchdown for a Cure: The Julienne Morriss Callaway CCF Legacy Gala

On Saturday, November 18th, the Callaway Family hosted CCF’s first-ever gala with the help of the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Touchdown for a Cure: The Julienne Morriss CCF Legacy Gala was a GIANT success, raising $280,000 and counting for research. The event, hosted by CCF Board Member Jack Callaway, included a dinner, live music by CCA survivor Sean Patrick, a tour of the field and Giants’ trophy room, and a silent and live auction. The event brought together more than 200 people to honor Julienne and celebrate the creation of the Julienne Morriss Callaway Research Fund and the impact this research will have on cholangiocarcinoma patients and their families. To support this research fund, please visit https://curecca.link/LegacyGala.