Group finds success in mission
By Josh Ellerbrock
Published in News on March 5, 2014 1:46 PM
Four months have gone by since the Outlaw Foundation officially started in October, and in that time, it has raised $50,000 and helped at least seven families affected by cancer.
That forward momentum will be continued in two weeks with the Outlaw Foundation's first 5K Run/Walk.
The Outlaw Foundation was created by Bill Outlaw and his family after Outlaw was diagnosed with leukemia at the end of May 2012. During his fight, Outlaw had what he called "a spiritual awakening" and decided that his purpose was to help others. The Outlaw Foundation, an organization formed to give aid to those fighting cancer, was the result.
"We've really done a fantastic job of it," Outlaw said. "It's definitely been a good thing, and we're definitely going up."
So far, the group has helped several families in-and-out of Wayne County. And Outlaw has found plenty of support in running the nonprofit.
At this point, the group has 26 sponsors for their upcoming run/walk. One donor, a 10-year-old, even sent the contents of his piggy bank, $126 in cash, to the foundation along with a handwritten letter. The boy received a handwritten letter of thanks in return.
All the proceeds from fundraisers and donations go straight to supporting those fighting cancer.
The only problem the foundations has ran into in its four months is finding those who are willing to be helped.
"People are so proud that they are not willing to ask. Everyone that we helped were people that were referred," Outlaw said.
The upcoming Run/Walk is scheduled for Saturday, March 15, to be held at Carver Elementary School, 400 Old Seven Springs Road. The race begins at 9 a.m., and registration begins at 7:30 a.m. Registration cost is $30 on the day of the race. Pre-registration is $25. Runners and walkers can pre-register at www.runtheast.com. Individuals with questions are encouraged to contact Jessica Bryan at jbryan@transmaint.com
The Outlaw Foundation also will host its first golf tournament on Friday, April 25, at the Southern Wayne Country Club. A four-person superball tournament begins at 8 a.m. with the shotgun start at 1 p.m. Registration forms can be found at www.theoutlawfoundation.com/events.html.
Finally, the Calypso Baptist Church Fundraiser, scheduled for 4 p.m. on Saturday, will give half of its proceeds to the Outlaw Foundation. The other half will be given to multiple sclerosis research. The live auction begins at 6 p.m. The Calypso Baptist Church is located at 132 E. Church St., Calypso. The Outlaw Foundation will be selling merchandise at the event.