COVID-19 has forced the United Cancer Assistance Network spring fundraising events to move to later in the year.
Social distancing is the new normal since the COVID-19 pandemic hit and UCAN volunteers feel it’s easier to keep a safe space on the golf course. They are moving ahead with the Kay Jewell Memorial Golf Tournament.
The event to benefit will be from noon to 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 21, at the Westwood Hills Country Club.
“Kay was a volunteer for a long time and she was the board treasurer for five years,” said UCAN Executive Director Melody Chailland. “Join us in supporting UCAN and the memory of our dear friend.”
Jewell was battling cancer for the fourth time when she died.
Sally and Don Metz, who have been organizing the event for more than a decade, are coordinating this year’s tournament in Jewell’s memory.
The couple say the coronavirus pandemic has them trailing behind in contacting previous sponsors but they know first hand about cancer.
UCAN board member Sally Metz said, “Don is a cancer survivor. He’s been cancer free since his surgery,”
“We needed to give something back and this is what we have done,” she continued. “UCAN just does wonders, I like the fact they are so amazing.”
Fundraisers like the four-person scramble golf tournament help UCAN fill a financial gap. The program is designed to provide individualized support for patients. When patients come to UCAN seeking help, they are greeted by volunteers whose lives have been touched by cancer.
While Sally Metz said they’ve not confirmed sponsors for this year’s events, she and Don want to praise the past donors like Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center who previously covered the $2,500 tab for lunch.
It is not too late for players to register, Sally Metz said. There is still time for more teams to join the 20-plus groups already registered.
Anyone wanting to register or get additional information, may call Don Metz at 573-718-7839.
Check-in time and lunch is at noon, shotgun start will be at 1 p.m.
Sponsorships are still available.
Previously, the tournament was held in memory of Butch Brown, who was a local banker and a member of the UCAN board.
Since UCAN is a 501(c)3 organization, donations are tax deductible. Anyone wanting to make donations or memorials may mail or drop them by the office at 2620 N Westwood Blvd., Poplar Bluff, MO 63901-3396.