The Cancer Coalition of South Georgia’s third-annual Americus Night for Hope raised proceeds of more than $19,500 to fight cancer locally. “Different from national cancer organizations, every dollar donated to the Cancer Coalition helps to support our work right here,” said Coalition Interim CEO Jennifer Johnston. The Cancer Coalition of South Georgia, a division of Horizons Community Solutions, provides cancer related services, education, research and outreach exclusively in our area’s communities.

175 guests joined in honoring husband and wife cancer survivors, Dr. and Mrs. Louis and Candy Riccardi, this year’s honorees for the Americus Night for Hope. “They strongly believe in the Cancer Coalition’s work in cancer prevention, screening, education, community research, and assisting local patients. With the community’s support, we could honor Dr. and Mrs. Riccardi and all families touched by the high rates of cancer in our community. We were thrilled to have this highly respected and dearly loved couple as our 2017 Night for Hope honorees”, said Johnston.

The special evening, held on September 28 at the Lee Council House in Americus, featured heavy hors d’ oeuvres, dessert, a silent auction and live musical entertainment by Joey Recker.

Johnston stated, “We are grateful to our Presenting Sponsor, Phoebe Sumter Medical Center, our corporate partners, Keystone Foods-Equity Group, Southeastern Credit Union, DOCO Credit Union, and Georgia CEO; and our other sponsors: AfterHours Care of Americus, Agrium US, Inc., Americus Dental Associates, Austin Urethane, Inc., Citizens Bank of Americus, Clinic Drug Store and Plains Pharmacy, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Crisp, Dr. Louis Riccardi and Dr. Alexandra Riccardi General Dentistry, Edward Jones – Mark Hayes, First State Bank, Gatewood, Skipper & Rambo, Georgia Forest Products, Georgia Southwestern State University, Hancock Funeral Home, Inc., Innovative Senior Solutions, J & M Tank Lines, Inc.,  Magnolia Packing, Med Spa of Americus, Minick Interiors and Mark Minick, Parker’s Heating & Air Conditioning, and Regional Eye Center. She also expressed appreciation to the Night for Hope volunteers: Linda Brewer, Bill Gatewood, Beth NeSmith, Candy Riccardi and Shelly Sullivan.