The 38th Annual American Cancer Society Swordsman’s Ball, presented by WellStar and Lockheed Martin, is Aug. 20 at the Cobb Galleria Centre. This year’s theme is ‘Face the Fight,’ with an emphasis on using social media to raise awareness and funding in the fight against cancer. Above: Committee members are, from left, (standing) Jim Vogel, Wendy Bunch, Courtney Moore, Arthur Vaughn, Alice Summerour, Allan Bishop, Robin Bishop, Cassandra Buckalew, Brian Buckalew, Chris Martin, Janet O’Brien, Heather Robertson, Mazi Mazloom, (seated) Jessica Sweeney, Lindsi Pearson, Babe Atkins-Byrne, Rose Wing, Holly Spriggs and Amanda Vogel.
Special/Thomas James Spravka
Special/Thomas James Spravka
Cassandra and Brian Buckalew of Marietta and Robin and Allan Bishop of Acworth are co-chairs of the event. Brian is a sales executive for Majestic Steel, USA, based in Cleveland, Ohio, and co-owns Historic Marietta Trolley Co, Marietta Pedicabs, and Ghosts of Marietta with Cassandra. Allan Bishop is executive director of retail operations at WellStar Health Systems and Robin owns Endgame Consulting.
All were drawn to the cause by friends and family members affected by cancer.
"The reason the ball is important to the community is because we can help fund cancer research as well as programs that help people in our community," the co-chairs said. "Cancer affects nearly everyone in some way, and this is how Cobb County can give back."
According to ACS statistics, a 15 percent decrease in the overall cancer death rate occurred between the early 1990s and 2005, avoiding about 650,000 cancer deaths. Eleven million cancer survivors in America will celebrate another birthday this year.
The ACS continues to save lives by helping people stay well and get well, find cures and fight back against cancer.
The co-chairs shared ACS statistics that in Cobb County from September 2010 through May 2011, 21 people received financial assistance totaling $13,149.03. Six used the Dietician on Call; 55 women attended "Look Good ... Feel Better" support groups to learn beauty tips and skin care during their treatment; 16 people have been given 186 rides to life-saving treatment by a volunteer through Road to Recovery; 23 women received a free wig from the local office; and three people have stayed in the Hope Lodge at Emory University during their treatment.
Through the Swordsman's Ball, the community has the opportunity to help ACS efforts. The co-chairs said this year, the event is more personal, as table sponsors can honor survivors or memorialize those who have lost their fight with cancer by naming their table and putting a face on the fight against cancer. Unnamed tables will be designated as a table of "Hope."
Enjoy one of the area's premier black-tie events that includes an elegant dinner, late-night dancing, spectacular auction, and more while helping the cause. Individual tickets are $125.
After-party tickets will be offered for those who want to join the evening's festivities for the concert, auction and dancing. Dinner is not included with this ticket. Individual tickets are $40; couples, $75.
For ticket and sponsorship information, visit www.swordsmansball.org or call (770) 429-0089.
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