Sportsmen’s Saturday, the largest annual fundraiser for the Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Lexington Medical Center Foundation, will be held Saturday, Nov. 2 at the Breeden Insurance Amphitheater in Uptown Lexington.
Tickets for the event, presented by Rock Outdoors, are now on sale and will include access to a day filled with food, beverages, entertainment and the chance to win more than $125,000 in prizes. Eric Chilton, meteorologist and news anchor at WFMY, along with Chris Kelly, co-host of the “Two Guys Named Chris Show” on Rock 92, will return as emcees. Rock Outdoors is the event’s presenting sponsor for the second year. Richard Childress will serve as the event’s honorary chair and the Lexington Medical Center Foundation will posthumously honor the memory and contributions of longtime community leader Sara DeLapp.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the hematology and oncology clinic and infusion center at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist’s cancer center in Lexington, part of Atrium Health Levine Cancer.
“Lexington Medical Center is committed to providing the highest quality of care for not only our patients battling cancer, but everyone we serve across the community,” said Chad Brown, president of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist’s south and west areas, which include Lexington Medical Center. “Sportsmen’s Saturday is a great example of the passion and commitment our citizens have for quality health care as their connection to their long-standing community hospital.”
The funds raised will enhance patient and family support by improving physical comfort during treatment. Possible investments could include new infusion chairs, cold caps to mitigate chemotherapy-induced hair loss, essential navigation, social work and survivorship services, and art and music therapy. Every dollar raised through Sportsmen’s Saturday stays in the community, directly benefiting local patients.
“Sportsmen’s Saturday is an exciting and unique event,” said Kaye Leonard, board chair of the Lexington Medical Center Foundation. “Not only is it a fun and fast-paced event but it’s also a fantastic way to support such an important cause. Knowing that the proceeds will benefit local patients makes this event even more meaningful. And who knows—you might even win one of the fantastic prizes.”
Tickets are on sale and if purchased by Sept. 30, participants will be entered into an additional drawing for cash prizes. After the “early bird” prizes are drawn, tickets will be placed back into the barrel for the main drawing. This year’s raffle prizes are valued at more than $125,000 and include a 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4-Door, Avalon pontoon boat with trailer, Crestliner 1660 fishing boat, Kubota RTV and more. A complete list of prizes and silent auction items can be found on the event website www.WakeHealth.edu/Sportsmens. There will only be 2,000 raffle tickets sold.
Participants do not need to be present to win, but those who attend will have the chance to participate in additional prize opportunities such as door prizes, a live auction and a 50/50 raffle.
“Sportsmen’s Saturday 2023 was a great success, raising more than $130,000 for our emergency department,” said Will Miller, member of the Lexington Medical Center Foundation and 2024 event chair. “We sold around 2,000 tickets and almost 1,000 people attended in person last year. With incredible prizes, a day full of attractions, and the knowledge that every dollar stays within our community, I believe we can surpass the amount raised last year. We need your support to do so.”
For more information on purchasing tickets, sponsorship opportunities or details about Sportsmen’s Saturday, please contact the Lexington Medical Center Foundation office at 336-238-4559 or visit www.WakeHealth.edu/Sportsmens.
Media contacts:
Jenna Kurzyna, jkurzyna@wakehealth.edu; Joe McCloskey, jmcclosk@wakehealth.edu