The Cancer Coalition of South Georgia will host its second  annual Night for Hope fundraising gala on Thursday, March 24th, in the Valdosta State University Student Union Ballroom. 

The 2016 gala proudly honors local cancer survivor Dr. Ronald M. Zaccari. The elegant, formal celebration includes a plated dinner, live and silent auctions, and live musical entertainment. 

The community is invited to support the local fight against cancer by attending the event, by sponsoring the event, or providing auction items. You also may place a memorial/honorarium for a loved one or a business ad in the program booklet. Different from national cancer organizations, every penny donated to the Cancer Coalition stays here to help our community.

As President of Valdosta State University in 2002-2008, Dr. Zaccari dramatically increased enrollment and new campus facilities while strengthening academic programs and community partnerships. In “retirement”, he leads community/regional relations for Guardian Bank and also is a highly respected strategic planning consultant. Beyond his professional roles, Dr. Zaccari has been an enthusiastic advocate for the Valdosta community from the moment he came here. He and his wife Nancy celebrated 50 years together last year, have two adult sons, and continue to reside here.

When faced with cancer in 2015, Dr. Zaccari turned to his other passion – art. An accomplished artist, he draws hope and healing from his visual and written creations. Dr. Zaccari is grateful for the Cancer Coalition’s local work because he knows how often cancer affects families in our community. With the community’s support, the Cancer Coalition will honor Dr. Zaccari - and all local families touched by cancer - by continuing its health navigation and cancer screenings, education, community research, and support for local survivors.

Cancer Coalition CEO Diane Fletcher said, “We are excited to honor Dr. Zaccari and to have him share his story and his passion for the Cancer Coalition. With the community’s support, we hope to exceed our fundraising goals so we may continue our local, lifesaving work against cancer.”  

Fletcher stated, “We are grateful to our corporate partners Keystone Foods/Equity Group, Southeastern Credit Union, DOCO Credit Union, Georgia Power and Regions Bank, to our presenting sponsor, 1st America Infusion Services, LLC, and to our other sponsors: O’Steen Subaru of Valdosta, Valdosta State University Foundation, Valdosta CEO, CJB Industries, Inc., First Federal Savings of Valdosta, First State Bank and Trust Co., SGMC Pearlman Cancer Center, Dr. James Sinnott in memory of John P. Sinnott, JD, Merry Jo and Tom Kurrie, Southern Pediatric Clinic, Southwest Georgia Bank, Surgical Associates of Valdosta and Thacker Dermatology.”

To buy tickets, please contact Jennifer Johnston at [email protected] or 229-291-2938, call the main office at 229-312-1700 or visit the Cancer Coalition online at www.sgacancer.org.