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Charity moves to online fundraising after events canceled by Covid-19

Posted at 9:15 AM, Apr 24, 2020
and last updated 2020-04-29 14:39:44-04

TUCSON, Ariz. — Canceled fundraisers and a slump in the economy has the American Cancer Society struggling to meet funding goals.

"200 million dollars, that's what we're behind," according to Alexis Cassidy the Community Development Manager for the American Cancer Society in Tucson.

That's the bleak assessment of where the American Cancer Society is nationally with its fund-raising.

In Southern Arizona, it has been a struggle after the postponement of the Climb to Conquer Cancer in March.

Cassidy was planning improvements and had lined up new sponsors for the 34th annual climb -- only to have Covid-19 stop her in her tracks.

"The participants were going to love it," said Cassidy. "There were new sponsors. I was disappointed to inform that we're having to postpone our event. I can't give you a date. I have no idea."

No major events means no fund-raising money to support projects like cancer research at the University of Arizona.

The American Cancer Society's new campaign says "Cancer hasn't stopped. Neither have we."

That means finding new ways to fund-raise online, including a Tucson event Pink Your Pooch.

For $10 you can enter a photo of your pet -- and support Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.

There's also a campaign called Gamers vs Cancer inviting online gamers to help raise money.

Later this year, Cassidy hopes fund-raising will ramp up with the annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk. She has tentative plans for the rescheduled "climb to conquer cancer" walk up "A" Mountain.

"We're making some changes. Versus a morning walk, an evening and enjoying the sunset on A Mountain. I mean, who wouldn't love that beautiful view."