Mayor Burchett was one of the Knoxville celebrities who participated in last year’s Game on Against Cancer. Photo by Dan Andrews.
By Tasha Mahurin
Mahurint@knoxfocus.com
Knoxville’s “go-to” store for home entertainment, Games and Things, has teamed up with a number of local sponsors to host a second annual fundraiser to benefit Thompson Cancer Survival Center on March 1.
Scott and Lisa Mellon, who have owned Games and Things for 32 years, were inspired to host the event last year after Lisa’s own health journey led to treatment at the Thompson Cancer Survival Institute.
“After spending some time at the center for treatment, I knew I wanted to do something. I called Covenant to see what we could do to help,” Lisa told the Focus.
The couple was able to channel their expertise in home entertainment to create a unique and dynamic evening of gaming.
The event, appropriately entitled “Game On Against Cancer”, will feature an evening of celebrity competition. Participants will be able to challenge a local celebrity to a game of table tennis, billiards, poker, darts or black jack. Mayor Madeline Roger, Mayor Tim Burchett, Jeff Francis, Abby Ham, Hallerin Hill, Con Hunley, Bill Landry, Phil Williams, Mike Witcher and a host of other Knox-famous celebrities are among those who have stepped up to the card table to show their support for this compelling cause.
“We’re grateful that we had such a great response from our local celebrities and want to thank them for coming out again this year to be part of this fun-filled night,” Lisa added.
Proceeds from the event go to help fund two important programs at Thomspon Cancer Survival Center- the Thompson Cares Fund and the Fellowship Center. The Thompson Cares Fund provides financial assistance for patients who are in crisis and need help to meet the expenses of basic necessities like housing, transportation, medical supplies and medication. In 2010, over $55,000 in aid was provided through the fund.
The Fellowship Center provides a free “home-away-from-home” for patients and families who must travel more than 30 miles to receive treatment at Thompson. The center offers fully-furnished apartments, meals and supportive services at no cost to patients. Since 1993, more than 17,000 guests have been served, saving them nearly $7 million in hotel costs.
Last year the event raised $30,000 to benefit the center.
The home theatre room will be open for guests to enjoy the big game, and the evening will also offer a silent auction and plenty of food and drink. Tickets are $50 each and may be purchased by calling (865)541-1227 or emailing mbrown@covhlth.com.
