Photo by Logan Ingalls, via Wikimedia Commons
WOOD RIVER — Nonprofit organization Power of the Giraffe will host a charity Texas hold ‘em poker tournament from 2-8 p.m. Sunday, July 26, at the Wood River Moose Club to benefit area cancer patients.
Power of the Giraffe creates gift baskets and offers financial support to cancer patients. The organization was formed in honor of Rosewood Heights native Carol (Friedrich) Alcorn, who first was diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2000. Since 2009, cancer has returned multiple times in both Alcorn’s bones and brain. To this day, she continues to fight while inspiring family, friends and others throughout the area.
“Whenever Carol would have a big test, surgery or scan, she would receive a stuffed giraffe at the end,” says Carol’s husband and organization founder Dale Alcorn. “Unfortunately for her, she has a lot of giraffes now. But the giraffe began to symbolize much more. It was time to celebrate. We had completed another hurdle, even if there were more to clear. ”
Out of this despair grew a dream to share the belief, hope and power of the giraffe. Often with cancer comes the feeling of isolation. While many people offer to help, it takes a special person to take initiative and to “stick their neck out.” From this Power of the Giraffe was formed to support patients and their families undergoing treatments. The organization has since delivered more than 40 baskets throughout the area and will deliver approximately 100 more by the end of summer.
“Our goal is to inspire people to reach out and help,” Dale says. “So when anyone sees a giraffe, they think of Carol and they think of the power that even the smallest of items can carry.”
Tickets can be purchased at Shell Community Federal Credit Union, 101 Wesley Drive in Wood River, for a suggested $50 donation, online through PayPal at www.thepowerofthegiraffe.org and at the door the day of the event. Price includes ticket, parking and beverages. Food and alcohol will be available at extra cost. All skill levels are welcome. The top 10 players will receive a cash prize. For information, call David Janes at (618) 980-4911. For information about the Power of the Giraffe organization, visit www.thepowerofthegiraffe.org.