Staff reports
Dataw Island’s annual fundraiser supporting Keyserling Cancer Center at Beaufort Memorial raised $31,760 for the organization.
This annual effort of the Dataw Island community was spearheaded by the Dataw Island Women’s Golf Association and included a dance party, game day, golf tournament, and an Honor Wall, as well as a huge silent auction.
The fundraiser is a volunteer-driven event that has become an institution on the island. The event began in 2002, and now hundreds of Dataw residents participate each year, all of whom are dedicated to supporting the Beaufort Memorial Hospital Foundation and the Keyserling Cancer Center.
According to the Keyserling Cancer Center, without donations like the ones from Dataw, the services and equipment would not be able to meet the needs of our community with the advanced level of care we currently have today.
“Beaufort Memorial is here to serve all the residents of Beaufort, Jasper, and Hampton counties who need healthcare,” Beaufort Memorial Hospital Associate Vice President and Chief Development Officer Kim Yawn said, expressing gratitude. “It is thanks to people and tournaments like this that allow these services to not only continue but expand.”
The spirit of hope runs through the tournament and the greater Dataw Islandcommunity, as too many people are touched personally or through loved ones by cancer.
“Dataw is always such a caring and giving community,” 2024 Event Chair Katy March said. “We thank everyone for their wonderful support and donations that made this year’s fundraiser to support BMH Foundations Keyserling Cancer center such a great success. It’s nice to see our efforts remain in the local community. And thank you to the committee volunteers for their time and effort to make these events so great.”
The monies raised will go to ensure that cancer patients at Beaufort Memorial have access to the most current technology and high-quality treatment protocols. Past funding has supported items like new infusion chairs for chemotherapy treatment and the purchase of advanced imaging equipment to detect cancer earlier and more accurately.
“We appreciate all that the residents of Dataw Island have done over the years to support not only Cancer Services at BMH, but the whole organization,” Yawn said. “Your gifts make a huge impact in our hospital’s ability to meet the needs of our diverse and growing community!”
