With the start of a new year this week, organizers of the Doors of EnCOURAGEment project also are kicking off the ninth year of the event, which to date has raised more than $310,000 for the Logan County Cancer Society through more than 600 doors that were created by area youths and adults.
“The ninth year is sure to be another beautiful display of love in support of the Logan County Cancer Society and our neighbor friends who have received a cancer diagnosis,” organizers reported on Facebook this week.
Doors are now available for pick up by messaging the Doors of EnCOURAGEment Facebook page or Melody Couchman.
The participation donation is $200 per door, payable to the Logan County Cancer Society at the time the door is picked up.
“Everything remains the same as in the past,” organizers said. “Doors are created as you choose. It’s art! Have fun with it.
“We only ask that it be positive, respectful of the cause (does not have to be cancer related), finished on both sides, sealed for the weather and fit in the bases we provide. We provide the doors, weights and bases and take care of all the set up.
“You provide the time, love and talent to create a beautiful door.”
Doors need to be finished and returned March 20 and 21 to the Mary Rutan Hospital Crossroads Business Office.
March 23, the display of the doors in downtown Bellefontaine officially beings and will remain through April 25. The auction will take place at 6 p.m. Monday, April 27, at the Logan County Fairgrounds.
The Mary Rutan Foundation oversees the Logan County Cancer Society, which offers financial assistance to Logan County residents with a cancer diagnosis to cover expenses such as medication, equipment, supplies, wigs and other items, including gas cards to help with treatment-related travel costs.
Prior to the start of the eight annual Doors of EnCOURAGEment auction last year, Tammy Allison from the Mary Rutan Foundation offered a glimpse of some of the assistance that they provide through first-hand experiences of Logan County Cancer Society recipients.
“When providing a gas card to one couple, the gentleman told me through tears, ‘I’m so thankful for the help to get my wife to her treatment.’ Another woman told me that without the gas cards, she would not be able to afford her trips to Columbus for her treatment,” Allison said.
“The mother of our youngest recipient, a 3-year-old toddler, told me how much the gas cards, diapers, medications, baby wipes and other supplies means for her family.
“It really touches our families at such a difficult time.”