The Optimist Club of Clarendon is turning its focus to childhood cancer again this fall, raising money for organizations that support children and families during treatment while preparing for the return of its Dash on the Dam 5K and 1-Mile Gold-Bow Fun Run.
Set for Oct. 10, the event will benefit Camp Happy Days, Curing Kids Cancer and Children’s Cancer Partners, along with local opportunities to support children and youth. Optimist Club member Lisa Justice said the club selected the three childhood cancer organizations because of their connections to Clarendon County families.
Children from Clarendon County attend Camp Happy Days each summer, while Curing Kids Cancer and Children’s Cancer Partners provide assistance to families in the area navigating childhood cancer diagnoses and treatment. Proceeds designated for the three organizations are divided evenly, with the club also considering local needs it becomes aware of.
The cause was a natural fit for the club, Justice said, because of both its mission and the impact childhood cancer has had close to home. Childhood cancer has also been a longtime focus of Optimist International, now incorporated into its broader Childhood Health and Wellness initiative.
The idea for a local event grew from a challenge by former district governor Roger Sullivan, who started similar “Strut for Cancer” events in Wilmington, North Carolina, and Spartanburg. For Clarendon County’s club, the Santee-Lake Marion Dam offered an opportunity to create an event of its own around Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
That mission has become personal as club members have watched local families face the disease.
“Mentally, physically, and emotionally, childhood cancer can seem insurmountable … like it’s too much,” Justice said. “We want to serve as teammates and cheerleaders for those kids and families. We’ve got their backs, and we’re here to support them in all the ways we can — time, talents, and finances.”
This year, the club hopes to raise $10,000 through Dash on the Dam. Last year’s event brought in more than $7,300 through sponsorships and participant entry fees. With a little less than three weeks remaining before the race, Justice said organizers had already reached about 70% of this year’s goal. TCO Construction is returning as title sponsor.
The Oct. 10 event will again feature both a 5K and 1-Mile Gold-Bow Fun Run, along with family activities including face painting and gold giveaways. Therapy dogs Matteo and Minka will return representing the Clarendon County Sheriff’s Office.
New this year will be a postcard station where participants can write messages to children and families affected by childhood cancer. Organizers have also challenged teams from the Clarendon County Sheriff’s Office and Clarendon County Fire Rescue to compete for honors including fastest times, largest team and best costume during the Fun Run. Other businesses and organizations are invited to form teams and join the challenge.
The club is also looking for volunteers to help with setup, race encouragement, stations and cleanup. Justice said community support does not have to come in the form of a financial contribution.
“Manning and Clarendon County have been so generous to us in terms of financial support and sponsorships; now, we are just hoping for more people to help us make an impact,” Justice said. “Time and talents are equally as important to give as donations.”
Participants can register through the Dash on the Dam RunSignUp page. Those interested in volunteering or otherwise getting involved can contact Optimist Club President Claudette Elliott at 803-460-8053, reach out to a club member or contact the organization through its Facebook page.
For Justice and other club members, the effort does not end when Childhood Cancer Awareness Month does.
“These families need our support all year because childhood cancer doesn’t know or care what month it is,” Justice said.
