COLUMBIA, Tenn. — The Maury County Gun Club raised $10,000 for the Maury Regional Health Care Foundation during its annual Shoot for a Cure competition October 24. Proceeds from this annual event will go to the Foundation’s Women’s Center Fund, which offers support for southern Middle Tennessee women facing a breast cancer diagnosis.
“I would like to extend my gratitude to event organizers and participants for their role in raising breast cancer awareness in our community while helping to provide assistance for hundreds of individuals,” said Foundation Executive Director Joe Kilgore.
This year, 65 people participated in the outdoor event. Participants spent the day competing individually and as teams in trap and skeet shooting. Several items were also available for auction.
The local gun club first began hosting this annual event in 2012 and has since raised more than $27,000 for breast cancer patients in southern Middle Tennessee. Proceeds from Shoot for a Cure assist the Foundation with helping breast cancer patients meet treatment-related needs by funding wigs, camisoles, transportation expenses and more.
Maury County Gun Club Board Member Don Kerce conceptualized the event after his sister, Bennie Jo “BJ” Kerce Warwick, was diagnosed with cancer in 2007. Warwick passed away earlier this year.
“Although BJ is dearly missed, her memory is magnified by the participation of our community in this event and the generosity of those who donated to the fundraiser,” Kerce said.
“This year was especially bittersweet with BJ’s passing, but the group carried on in a way to make her proud,” Kilgore added. “The proceeds from this event created in her honor will impact hundreds of women facing breast cancer in our area.”
Since 2006, the Maury Regional Health Care Foundation has funded nearly $3.4 million in programs and services benefiting community members in need. These programs include a mobile medical unit, medication and transportation assistance, community health initiatives, a food bank for discharged patients in need, educational support, employee assistance and more. Learn more about the Foundation at MauryRegional.com/Foundation.
Photo Caption: Pictured (l-r) are siblings BJ Kerce Warwick and Don Kerce.