SAVANNAH, Ga. - GeorgiaChron -- CURE Childhood Cancer, the only organization providing financial and emotional support to local children and families while raising funds to further critical research specifically for pediatric oncology, announced that the annual Catie's Gathering in Moultrie, Ga., raised $42,632. The amount is in addition to the more than $1M already raised this fiscal year.

"We were ecstatic about reaching our fundraising goal before the additional funds raised at the Moultrie Catie's Gathering. It feels like we have so much momentum growing. The generosity of our supporters and the community has been incredible," said Jenny Wilkins, who began the Catie's Gatherings events after her young daughter, Catie, succumbed to cancer. "We've had tremendous support in Moultrie. This small community showed up big for us," she added.

Like all Catie's Gathering events, the warm and welcoming evening was open to the public. The evening began with a cocktail reception, live music and a silent auction. Additionally, guests were treated to an uplifting presentation about a child in the fight who benefited from CURE research and support. As always, the themed tables, decorated by hostesses attending the event, were an impressive display of creativity, imagination and memorials.

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Since its inception, Catie's Gathering has grown from one to five event locations in South Georgia. The program began in Effingham County in 2011 and has since grown to Savannah, Bryan County, Moultrie and Statesboro.

The Moultrie gathering comes on the heels of record-breaking fundraising at the previous four Catie's Gatherings:

Bryan County Sept. 23, 2023 - $130,000
Savannah, Feb. 21, 2024 - $318,000
Statesboro, March 7, 2024 - $150,000
Effingham, March 22, 2024 - $403,000

"We usually see an increase year over year, but the last few Catie's Gatherings have been exceptional. With the total exceeding $1M before the Moultrie event, the kind and generous folks who support CURE at Catie's Gatherings are making a real impact on research for pediatric cancer. This goes a long way to reaching our goal," said Mandy Garola, Vice President of CURE Childhood Cancer in South Georgia.

Funds raised are invested in CURE's research initiatives, specifically the Precision Medicine program, which focuses on individualized treatments based on each child's genetic makeup. The funds also offer general support to patients and their families fighting childhood cancer.

Sponsors of the 2024 Catie's Gathering Moultrie include Sunset Elementary School, The Kirbo Law Firm, South Georgia Crop Insurance, Colquitt Regional Medical Center, Lasseter Motors and Newsome Electrical Contractors.

To learn more, visit https://www.curechildhoodcancer.org.