In 2019, there will be an estimated 1,762,450 new cancer cases diagnosed and 606,880 cancer deaths in the United States according to the American Cancer Society. Cancer affects nearly one in three people in the United States during their lifetime.
This year marked the 10th anniversary of the Night for the Cure fundraising event hosted by Montverde Academy. The event was established to honor those whose lives have been touched by cancer, with proceeds directly supporting organizations that help South Lake County families including Cornerstone Hospice, Greater Clermont Cancer Foundation and the University of Florida Shands Cancer Hospital. Through the generosity of the MVA and the broader community, the 2019 Night for the Cure event raised $30,000 to benefit the local charities.
Night for the Cure began as a small community event that honored cancer survivors, those combating the disease and the families affected by cancer. Through the years, it has grown into a large event that features moving ceremonies, a group lap around the track, music, sponsored booths to raise funds, fellowship, and more. Students, staff and faculty volunteer to assist Kyle Clapper, Montverde Academy teacher and event director, to manage and execute the event, but next year, students will manage the entire event with staff support. Matthew Karen (’20) will serve as event director. He trained alongside Mr. Clapper this year to gain experience with the details.
“It has been an incredible and rewarding experience for me to have been involved in this event,” said Mr. Clapper. “Looking over the past 10 years, Night for the Cure has been able to donate more than $100,000 to make a difference in people’s lives, an amazing feat considering NFC’s humble beginnings. It is not the dollars donated which makes NFC so special. It is the love, support, and dedication of the students, families, staff, and faculty who make it an extraordinary event.”
