Cruzin’ for Life fundraiser donates $145,000 towards local cancer care services
SANTA MARIA, Calif. -- Cruzin' for Life delivers once again.
On Thursday, board members with the non-profit organization gathered at Mission Hope Cancer Center for a check presentation to reveal how much money is being donated this year.
With Mission Hope doctors on hand, along with other Dignity Health representatives, Cruzin' for Life gave a check totaling $110,000.
"All of this money is going directly back to services directly related to patients, not patient care, but our ability to take care of patients and the rest of their lives outside of their medical care," said Dr. Robert Dichmann, Mission Hope Cancer Center Medical Director. "It's a tremendous thing that they're doing, all volunteering, all doing it out of the kindness of their heart, expecting nothing in return, so it's a great way that we see our community coming together for our patients."
The money raised comes from two separate events Cruzin' for Life held in 2019.
The two events are annual fundraisers and are always among the most popular and successful in Santa Maria.
In February, the immensely popular crab feed sells out each year at the Santa Maria Fairpark, drawing hundreds of people who enjoy an all-you-can-eat dinner.
In September, Cruzin' holds its signature two-day event, a Friday night cruise, weekend car show, and Saturday night dinner and auction.
Now in its 16th year, Cruzin' for Life has donated $1,337,900 to Marian Cancer Center.
"It's really exciting to see the excitement on all the doctor's faces and their staff as we flip the check over," said Cruzin' for Life board member Kara Cole. "They're always amazed even though every year we feel like we want to do more, but it keeps us going for next year."
In addition to today's check presnetation to Mission Hope Cancer Center, Cruzin' for Life is also donating money to Make-A-Wish Foundation Tri-Counties.
Since it was first created in 2004 by the Labastida brothers, Cruzin' for Life has raised about $2 million.
