Hosting its first in-person fundraiser event of the year, Sky High for Kids hosted its annual 4th annual Permian Basin Banquet and Sporting Clay Tournament, raising more than $530,000 to support their effort to end childhood cancer. Over the course of the two day event, more than 250 guests enjoyed live music, silent and live auctions, and more. Five individuals donated their hair onstage at the banquet for childhood cancer patients. Veteran Anthony Radetic helped auction off a Heli hog hunt. And most importantly, patient family guest speaker Becky Decker, who lost two grandsons to childhood cancer, spoke to attendees on the importance of supporting efforts to end the disease. The event marked an important step as Sky High rebounds from recent challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Whether it is time or money, we know that those involved in Sky High are making a difference in the lives of terminally ill children and their families,” said Guest of Honor Joyce Fisher. “Our hope is that every day we are getting closer to finding a cure for cancer and we must all be a part of the process. Please donate and please pray for a cure.”
In 2018, Sky High pledged an ambitious $40 million to Texas Children’s Hospital and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital—$20 million per hospital—to advance the treatment of children battling cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. After the cancellation of multiple events due to COVID-19, the organization suffered what it estimates to be nearly $3 million in revenue shortfalls. The funds raised at their Permian Basin fundraiser will help narrow the gap in Sky High’s annual funding goals.
“Sky High has made ambitious pledges to end childhood cancer,” said Brittany Hebert Franklin, Founder and CEO of Sky High for Kids. “We felt it was time to safely lead the community back to host in-person events to keep our mission in the forefront.”
Founded in 2007, Sky High for Kids has a mission to bring communities together to provide comfort, to fund research, and to save lives of those fighting pediatric cancer and other life-threatening conditions. Since its inception, Sky High has donated more than $14 million, including $4 million in 2019 alone, to leading children’s hospitals and research centers, including Texas Children’s Hospital, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and the Ronald McDonald House of Memphis.
