Local Small Businesses Raise $200K for Cancer Research

Spencer Pest Services with its Pest Control for a Cure Program is just one of 10 local small businesses who have joined forces to raise money to cure cancer.

The group, Stick it 2 Cancer, was formed by In-Depth Wraps owners, Torri and John Westmoreland, after John was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma. He kicked cancer to the curb and the couple is passionate about helping others do the same.

In-Depth Wraps, Big Frog of Cumming Custom T-Shirts & More, Bodyplex Fitness, Brandywine Printing, CPR Momma, jTech Networks, Lenny’s Sub Shop, Rooter Plus, Somedia Solutions and Spencer Pest Services all work together to host exciting fundraisers with one goal in mind: create a cancer-free world.

"As business owners, we have all been affected personally with cancer in one way or another – through a family member or a friend," said Spencer Pest Services owner Sheri Spencer Bachman. "We all do business with InDepth Wraps and were inspired by their dedication to the cause and wanted to join in their fight against this horrible disease."

Everything the team does ultimately benefits the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. They put together unique events such as poker tournaments, car shows and more. The team was able to get additional support from other local restaurants and businesses for each of their events. Together, they are increasing community awareness and support for cancer.

"Together we can do more," said Spencer Bachman. "We help promote each other’s businesses, work together on each other’s fundraising, it’s a team effort. As a team we can make a bigger difference than we could individually. For example, Northside Hospital raised $26,000 and Seiman’s raised $30,000. Our 10 small businesses raised $106,000 plus."

This is Stick it 2 Cancer’s third year as a team. Last year their goal was to raise $60,000 and ended up raising over $75,000. This year they created a lofty goal of funding two researchers for a year at a cost of $1,000 per week for a total of $104,000. All monies raised by team Stick it 2 Cancer go directly to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS).

During the Light the Night Walk for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society on Sept. 22, the Stick it 2 Cancer team presented a check to the LLS for $106,000, bringing their three year total to over $200,000. The team is still receiving monies and will end up exceeding $110,000 this year.

The team feels that it goes to show small businesses can make a huge difference.

"We are actually splitting off an forming a new group called Stick it 2 Cancer North Fulton," Spencer Bachman said. "We are currently looking for and talking to small businesses interested. We want to limit the group to a total of 10 different businesses."

Stick it 2 Cancer has not yet released their new goal for 2013, but anticipate it to be higher than before.

For more information contact sheri.spencer@spencerpest.com or visit Stick It 2 Cancer.