SECCI Receives Contributions from Oktoberfest Beer-Brats & Boobies Run

L to R: Jill Tinnes, Cathy Buxton, Megan Grett, Tammy Turpin-Martinez, Ashley Brookshire, Courtney Rogers, Jana Weimer

The membership group of “Beers and Brats for Boobies” presented a check to Cathy Buxton of Southeast Colorado Cancer Initiative for $5,200, the proceeds from the Oktoberfest 5K run in Lamar.

SECCI was created by a group of cancer survivors in 2000, to help pay for transportation and some medical expenses for local residents in the Prowers County area who were undergoing cancer treatments. 

The first 5K run during the 2012 Oktoberfest was held under cold and drizzly conditions.  That year 65 runners took part and raised $1,765.  This year, with additional publicity and much sunnier and warmer weather, 117 runners and walkers took part, raising the $5,200 for the local cancer support group.  Buxton noted that the Home Store on East Olive Street dedicated a percentage of their Saturday sales through October to SECCI, raising $1,200 on its own. 

“We’ve seen a greater demand in fuel costs for people going out of town for their treatments,” Buxton said, adding that SECCI donated from $2,200 to $2,500 a month for patients to fuel their cars.  She said that out of necessity, the amount of payments had to be reduced among the 12 to 15 patients that are served by the Initiative.  Some patients, Buxton explained, are undergoing radiation treatments five days a week, which involves a lot of travel expenses.  She said she was gratified that the “Beers and Brats for Boobies” group have taken an interest in helping raise funds for SECCI as the Initiative is the only organization that offers direct financial assistance to local cancer patients.

By Russ Baldwin