Cancer Gala: A Community Effort

Story by Jackie Zilliox
Photography by Jax Photography

For 25 years the Rod N' Reel Restaurant in Chesapeake Beach has hosted the Cancer Gala for the American Cancer Society. Beginning in 1982, they raised $5,300 their first year. In August 2006 they raised an astounding $455,000.

With the help of our entire family, many friends, and the business community, we are able to make it happen," says Mary Donovan of the Rod N' Reel Restaurant. "We even use work release prisoners from the local jail and people doing community service to help us with the set-up a few days prior to the event."

"Our own staff volunteers for that evening," said Donovan. "Plus there are many more-too many to name-who volunteer to set-up, serve, and help us do this."

Each year an honorary chair is chosen. His or her focus is to increase sponsorship and/or donations; and when his or her term is over, to remain on the sponsorship committee and continue to encourage future donations. There are nine sponsorship categories ranging in price from $500 for one admission ticket and media recognition, up to $25,000 for which one receives 50 VIP admission tickets, media recognition, reserved parking and a hotel suite at the Chesapeake Beach Resort and Spa.

John M. Jr. and Connie Gott, chosen as 2006 honorary chairpersons of the gala, wrote in their letter of acceptance, "The aggregate total for the past 24 years of this wonderful event exceeds $2.5 million. In that same time period the survival rate for cancer victims has risen from 53 percent to over 65 percent. That's almost a 25 percent increase in survivorship. One has to wonder if Fred and Gerald [Donovan-owners of the restaurant and hotel] ever fathomed what a great event their gesture would grow to be or the impact it would have on so many lives."

Approximately 40 percent of the money raised at this event stays in Calvert County and supports programs through the American Cancer Society such as "I Can Cope," which provides education for those facing cancer either personally, or as a friend or caregiver. Look Good…Feel Better allows women undergoing treatment to learn about skin, hair and nail techniques that can improve their self-image.

Another funded class for men dealing with prostrate cancer, Man to Man, provides support when dealing with that type of cancer. Reach to Recovery trains volunteers to help patients before, during, and after breast cancer treatment. And Road to Recovery provides cancer patients with transportation to and from treatment facilities.

Still more programs are available to educate communities about the risks of cancer, early detection and prevention. Active for Life is a 10-week program for employers who want to help their employees get fit. Let's Talk About It gives African-American men specific information meant to reduce the risk of prostrate cancer through early detection. "Meeting Well" is a program that helps people in workplaces plan healthy meals and activities for meetings and events.

The Cancer Gala participants are treated to the finest buffet offerings including lobster tails, roasted pig, filet mignon, and a raw bar, just to name a few. Extravagant desserts, live music and an open bar make every charitable soul happy.

"Fred and Gerald lost their father to cancer," says Donovan. "I don't know of anybody who hasn't known someone who has or had cancer. We all grasp the fact that we're speaking for those who can't anymore. And we would like to thank all those who have supported the Cancer Society, either through us, or in their own way. We hope to continue the gala for as long as possible, and hopefully our children and grandchildren will take it over."

The 2007 Rod N' Reel Cancer Gala will be held on August 1. For information call 410-257-2735, or 301-855-8351, ext. 108,109, or 119; or visit www.RodNReelCancerGala.org. To reach the American Cancer Society, call 1-800-ACS-2345.