A MESSAGE FROM VIP 26 - COLUMBUS, OH
We, The 2020 Visionaries, the 26th class of Next Level Trainings’ Vision Impact Program (VIP26) in Columbus, were charged with creating a large-scale community service project. Our goal was to find an organization that shared our mission of spreading unity, joy, and abundance to our community.
Nearly 40% of us will be diagnosed with cancer during our lifetime. While patients have lots of support options for medical services, there is little help to ensure a stable living environment while battling cancer. The Cancer Option Collaborative is supporting cancer patients on their road to recovery by connecting them with non-medical services, creating a space for emotional support, and providing financial relief.
Our team chose to support The Cancer Option Collaborative’s (COC) mission is to identify and connect cancer patients with support services while offering financial assistance when no supporting resource exists. The Cancer Option Collaborative handles the stress of non-medical living expenses while the patient focuses on their cancer fight. Together, VIP26 and COC committed to expand the number of cancer patients this will benefit from this financial and emotional support on their road to recovery.
A team of 39 leaders from across the United States declared to raise $80,000 in 22 days for The Cancer Option Collaborative. We reached out to corporations, our local businesses, family, and friends to support this cause. Through these tireless efforts, we exceeded our initial declaration and raised $117,912 for the cause.
Sunday, January 19th, VIP26 hosted a Roaring Twenties Fundraiser and Silent Auction at the High Line Car House to continue to unite the community and support COC. At the event, we provided a variety of food and desserts in addition to music, face-painting, photo booth, and raffles for the community to enjoy. Over 150 community members were in attendance and raised $7,900 in additional funds.
Thursday, January 23rd, the Cancer Option Collaborative opened the doors to the new C.A.R.E. center. This physical location will be the new home of the COC operations and support their vision. Patients will have a safe space to seek emotional and financial support as they fight their battle with cancer. This building will truly Create Amazing Recovery Experiences.
The VIP26 leaders spent over 1,000 volunteer hours on this service project, sourced over $7,000 in tangible goods, and brought up the new C.A.R.E. center to service the Columbus community.
At the grand opening, Mary Jenkins, CEO of The Cancer Option Collaborative shared through tears of joy “Next Level Trainings has totally exploded the organization as a whole. This team blew my whole vision up and the C.A.R.E. Center would not have been possible without Next Level Trainings.”
A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who contributed to our campaign and supported all of our fundraising efforts. Thank you to Next Level Trainings’ Leadership, coaches, and graduates for supporting us in what seemed like a daunting task. The impact that we created in the community and our team will not go unnoticed thanks to all of you.
