In its 8th year, 13 Chattanooga men will once again unite to fight breast cancer with the American Cancer Society through participation in the Real Men Wear Pink campaign. Throughout September and October, Real Men Wear Pink participants will encourage community members to donate towards their individual campaigns and take action in the fight against breast cancer. Capital Toyota and Lexus of Chattanooga are the 2022 presenting sponsors for Real Men Wear Pink, and hosts for the RMWP KICKOFF Thursday.
Every year the American Cancer Society recruits’ men from the community to raise funds and awareness in the fight against breast cancer. According to Cindy Rix, senior development manager for the American Cancer Society, “This is by far one of the most inspiring fundraising campaigns we have in our community. The RMWP campaign provides a unique platform for these 13 men to tell their own story of why they are so passionate about their commitment to fight breast cancer and their commitment to making a difference in this community. To see how these men challenge each other, not just at the community level but at the national level, is amazing. This is their chance to take their passion to another level in how they choose to raise money from having golf outings and beer tastings, to creating their own t-shirts is remarkable. After a record-breaking year in 2021, Chattanooga placed in the top 28 nationally raising $160,000 collectively, ranking just below Nashville (who have 40 Real Men). For these 13 men, it is clear this campaign is not just about raising money, but also about raising awareness and supporting resources locally.”
Funds raised through this two-month campaign will help in saving lives in the fight against breast cancer through early detection and prevention, innovative breast cancer research and patient support, including screening and local resources for patients in the community.
Each Real Men Wear Pink participant accepts a fundraising challenge and will compete to be the top fundraiser among his peers by the end of the campaign. This year’s Chair Jon Chadwick was the 2021 top fundraising Real Man, raising $70,000 and ranking number six nationally. "As a Real Man, Jon was on a mission, and he maintains that mentality to use this platform to educate others to help others who have a loved one battling breast cancer." officials said.
Officials also said, "This is the first year for Lexus of Chattanooga and Capital Toyota to participate as presenting sponsors, and we cannot be prouder to have them as a Real Men Wear Pink Sponsor. Cancer is not new for the McKamey family and their commitment to support ACS truly reflects their commitment and passion to this community."
During the month of October, the RMWP challengers will wear something pink to honor their commitment to Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The Chattanooga RMWP campaign has several fun events during October, including Pink Mondays during October with pink drink and give back nights at various restaurants. The Chattanooga RMWP fundraising campaign runs from Sept. 1 until Oct. 31, with the national campaign kickoff taking place Oct. 1-31. Chattanooga RMWP will end the campaign with a wrap up celebration and announcement of the “Real Man” who has raised the most money on Nov. 10. "
Thank you to Lexus of Chattanooga, Capital Toyota, and congratulations to these 13 men and their commitment to saving lives," officials said.
The 2022 Real Men in Pink candidates are:
Scott Hibberts, GM Reagan Outdoor Advertising; Aaron Thompson, vice president Maintenance, Transport Enterprise Leasing, LLC.; David Everett, dog trainer/owner; Brad Shumpert, JD, executive vice president, Urban Stories; Justin Smith, Patton, Albertson & Miller; Dr, Ranjith Babu, neurosurgeon, CHI Memorial and Stroke Center; Dr. Alvaro Valle, surgical oncologist, University Surgical Associates; Jay Raynor, GM Marriott (Downtown); Carl Henderson, partner, Henderson, Hutcherson and McCullough; Will Clegg, partner, Henderson, Hutcherson and McCullough; Russell Emerson, owner of ERMC and RBRO Construction; Michael Johnson, project manager, P&C Construction; and Kurt Faires, Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel, P.C
Officials said, "ACS will host the Real Men Campaign Kick Off at the Lexus of Chattanooga, Capital Toyota showroom on Thursday, a celebration with family and friends. Over the past four years, RMWP has raised close to $400,000. The 2022 goal, with Jon Chadwick as the chair, will prove to be another record-breaking year. The winner of the 2022 campaign will be announced Nov. 10 at the RMWP wrap up party at the Walden Club."
For more information about breast cancer or the Real Men Wear Pink campaign in Chattanooga, call 423-580-3216 or email Cynthia.rix@cancer.org. To check out our RMWP candidates, go to the RMWP website at http://www.realmenwearpinkacs.org/chattanoogatn.