BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — The second annual Sleigh Cancer Awareness Festival surpassed last year’s fundraising totals Friday in Inez. The event proved that even in the rain, Give Like Santa and the community do not back down from the fight against cancer.
Matthew and Angela Ising—known as Santa and Mrs. Claus and founders of the nonprofit Give Like Santa—combine cheer with a serious Sleigh Cancer mission. They raise both funds and awareness to support cutting-edge cancer research and uplift cancer patients and their families.
Give Like Santa’s fundraising supports Pelotonia, the high-profile nonprofit bike ride in Columbus, Ohio. Pelotonia contributes 100% of participant contributions to fund cancer research at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – The James.
The Inez festival featured cancer education booths, a blood drive, live music, vendors, raffles, a cornhole tournament and children’s activities. Santa and Mrs. Claus were on hand to remind everyone that compassion and hope are not just for December. The day included powerful moments like survivors ringing the Survivor Bell in celebration and a candlelight vigil in remembrance of loved ones. All while new friendships formed among those united by the cause.
“We consider this year a big win,” Angela Ising said. “Despite the weather, we more than doubled last year’s fundraising total, and we’re not done yet.”
Volunteers—some official and some who simply stepped up—made sure the event ran smoothly despite the shifting weather conditions.
“We had wonderful volunteers and great sponsors and supporters who stepped up to help us pull it off,” said Angela.
Smokin’ J’s Rib & Brewhouse saved the day with a generous donation of pulled pork, slaw and sauce. Local musicians Jack Ward & The Postmen, along with Bradley Goble and friends, kept spirits high with live music.
“The Mountain Citizen was over the top, supporting us with online promotion, ads and the bonus filler spots,” Angela added. “Adam at WSIP promoted the event with two on-air promotions with Santa and PSAs.”
The Isings will continue selling raffle tickets for a Blackstone Griddle ($500 retail) until the Fourth of July celebration in Inez. There they will pull the winning ticket.
A basketball shooting contest—sponsored by Eddie and Donna Fitch—will also take place at the Fourth of July event. The top shooter will take home a brand-new basketball goal.
“We received a report from the Kentucky Blood Center and they were thrilled with our blood donor turnout,” said Angela. “They collected 21 units, which they tell us will save 63 lives. Since 25% of our blood supply is used by cancer patients, that means almost 16 cancer patients.”
The Isings are thankful for the volunteer Sleigh Cancer team: Jennifer Baskette-Ridings and Tim Ridings; Chris and Jennifer West; Fred and Carolyn Beverly; Misty Jo Beverly; Heather Perry; Paddy Coleman; Donna and Eddie Fitch; Jana Zuidema; Jack Ward; Paul McCoy; Aaron and Bethany Tackett; Colby and Cori Kirk; Lisa Parsons; Brenda Toomey; Nita Collier; Regina Fields; Tracy, Hope and Faith Caldwell; Logan and Abbie Fitch; Aleigh Horn; Jason Crum; Robin and Aaron Patrick; Lisa and John Mollett; Claudette Frederick; and Brenda Evans Davis.
They are also grateful to sponsors and donors: The City of Inez; Martin County Tourism; Smokin’ J’s Rib & Brewhouse of Ashland; First State Bank of Inez; Tommy Maynard Auto Sales of Inez; ACE Hardware of Prestonsburg; Crum Funeral Home of Inez; Nita and Collier; Eddie and Donna Fitch; Carolyn Horn; Sun Sister’s Tiki Bar of Inez; Ice Cream Express of Inez; Workman’s of Inez; Angie’s Blooming Onions & More of Inez; Holy Crumbs; MK Collections; Hookadoodle; Mary and Eugene Branham; Monkey Britches; Rhonda’s Chaotic Creative Life.
Also, Fairy Floss; Krafty Koncessions; Mi Xochimilco of Inez; Fletcher’s Roadside Grill of Inez; Second Chance Auto of Louisa; Fazoli’s of Paintsville; Cloud 9 of Inez; Tres Hermanos Nunez of Paintsville; Bob Evans of Paintsville; Lowe’s of Paintsville; The Printery of Prestonsburg; Lavender Springs Alpaca of Paintsville; The Scoop in Prestonsburg; The Medicine Shoppe of Inez; Hibbett Sports of Paintsville; Blue Light Bargains of Inez; Alex with The Haven; The Mountain Muse of Prestonsburg; Shae and Jason Jewell; Jack Ward; David Endicott; and Dylan Presley.
“Thank you for supporting us and promoting us for this SANTA CAUSE that is so dear to our hearts,” said the Isings.
