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Aces for Aplastic Anemia
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The Annual sMAC Down
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Annual Wing Fling
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Torry Yahn Chicken Barbeque and Auction
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TS Gates Memorial 5K Run/2 Mile Walk
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Judy Joyce Memorial Golf Tournament
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Catherine's Craft Fair
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Aplastic Anemia Halloween Benefit Bash
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Five Mile Walk
Get Involved » Fundraising

Annual Events

AA&MDSIF is fortunate to have dedicated volunteers who hold annual fundraising and awareness events. These events are held each and every year, usually at the same venue and during the same month. By holding events annually, community support grows stronger and even more awareness and funds can be raised for bone marrow failure disease. Many of these events become wonderful community traditions.

Throughout the year, these volunteers work continuously to seek donations and support for their events. If you are able to support one of these annual events with your time, talent, or treasure, please contact Martha Crews at crews@aamds.org.

Originally published on 10/18/2012 - 3:20pm. Last updated on Mon, 11/26/2012 - 1:25pm.
Aces for Aplastic Anemia
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The Annual Aces for Aplastic Anemia Charity Golf Tournament began in 2012.  This annual event is organized by John Hickman in memory of his sister Jaymee Hickman who passed away from aplastic anemia. It is held in March every year at the beautiful Borrego Springs Resort in Borrego Springs, California. 

There is an entry fee for each person, and the format is a two man scramble.  Players can sign up as a foursome, but they will be playing in teams of two.  Special room rates will be available to players who would like to come down and stay the night before the tournament.  All players will automatically be entered into the "Aces for Aplastic Anemia Hole-in-One Challenge".  In addition, there will be prizes, a raffle, and goody bags for participants.

To donate to this event, to donate prizes, or if you have any questions, call the Director of Golf John Hickman at the Borrego Springs golf shop at (760) 767-3330.

The Annual sMAC Down
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The Annual sMAC Down is organized by Kim Fernandes-Huff and the Fernandes family in memory of Kim's brother Michael Fernandes who passed away from MDS. It is held every year at The Beach House Restaurant in North Falmouth, MA. Over $6,000 has been raised through this event.

 At this event, there will be a macaroni and cheese baking contest. Entries are being accepted in both amateur and professional categories. Contestants will be vying for the title of "Big Cheese". For $10, you can attend this fun event, taste the delicious entries from professional and amateur chefs who are showcasing their signature mac n' cheese dishes, and vote for your favorite. 

In addition to the delicious food competition, there will also be an exciting Sumo wrestling arena set up. Fun events also include The Fabulous Mr. Fox Magician, face painting, raffle prizes, and more.

Donations for the raffle are accepted throughout the year. For more information on how you can participate and/or donate, please contact the event organizer Kim Fernandes-Huff by email or phone (508) 944-1346. Money raised through this event benefits the AA&MDSIF Michael Fernandes Research Fund.

Annual Wing Fling
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The Annual Wing Fling is organized by Kim Fernandes-Huff and the Fernandes family in memory of Kim's brother Michael Fernandes who passed away from MDS. It is held every April at The Beach House Restaurant in North Falmouth, MA. Over $12,500 has been raised through this event.

At this event, you can come and taste the wings, then vote for your favorites in both amateur and professional categories. This afternoon full of fun also includes games, raffles, music, and face painting. There are several ways you can participate in this great event! You can participate as a "cook" in either the amateur or professional category. Or, if you prefer not to cook, you can participate as a "taster". For an admission fee, you can taste and vote for your favorite wings. You can also participate as a "sponsor" -- and sponsorship opportunities are available in many different levels.

Donations for the raffle are accepted throughout the year. For more information on how you can participate and/or donate, please contact the event organizer Kim Fernandes-Huff by email or phone (508) 944-1346. Money raised through this event benefits the AA&MDSIF Michael Fernandes Research Fund.

Torry Yahn Chicken Barbeque and Auction
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The Annual Chicken BBQ and Auction to benefit the Torry Yahn Research Fund was started in 1998. This annual event is organized by JoAnn and Don Yahn in memory of their daughter Torry, who lost her battle against aplastic anemia. Funds raised at the event benefit the Torry Yahn Research Fund to find a cure for aplastic anemia. Thanks to donations at barbeques, and those of family and friends over the past decade, over $380,000 has been contributed to the AA&MDSIF Torry Yahn Research Fund.

Each year, the event is held at the Moose Lodge in Churchville, NY on the second Sunday in June. This great afternoon of fun, friends, and hope includes a delicious chicken barbeque along with an auction with many exciting prizes.

Throughout the year, items are collected for the auction. To volunteer, donate auction items, or buy tickets, contact JoAnn Yahn at (585) 494-1367. You can also learn more about the event at http://www.torryyahn.com/.

TS Gates Memorial 5K Run/2 Mile Walk
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The Annual TS Gates Memorial 5K Run/2 Mile Walk began in 2009. In the winter of 2009, high school Junior Elizabeth Gates was trying to determine what service project she should do to earn her Gold Award in Girl Scouts. The Gold Award is a special award, the highest given by the Girl Scouts. She decided that the perfect project would be a run/walk to raise awareness for aplastic anemia, MDS and PNH in memory of her father Thomas Gates, who passed away from aplastic anemia in April 2008. Over $8,700 has been raised through this event.

Each April, the event is held in Poquoson, Virginia. With Elizabeth off at college, this event is now organized by AA&MDSIF volunteer Sally Gates, Elizabeth’s mom, in memory of her husband Thomas .

The race is held at Poquoson High School. At the event, there are drinks, food, and a raffle. Awards are given to women and men, top 3 overall and top 3 in age groups. Finish line results and the race are supported by the Peninsula Track Club.

Judy Joyce Memorial Golf Tournament
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The Annual Judy Joyce Memorial Golf Tournament began in 1993. Judy passed away from aplastic anemia. This event is organized annually by Judy Joyce's family and friends in her memory. Over $41,000 has been raised through this event.

The golf tournament is held every June at the North Kingstown Golf Course. The cost includes 18 holes of golf, a cart, dinner and a T-shirt. There will be various raffles as well.

Donations for raffle items are always greatly appreciated. For more information on the tournament or to donate a raffle item, please contact Bob Plasse at (401) 765-4468.

Catherine's Craft Fair
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Catherine MacLean started Catherine’s Craft Fair in 2000 as a 9 year old girl. When Catherine underwent drug therapy in 2000 to put her aplastic anemia into remission, she kept busy during her recovery by making crafts while waiting for her blood counts to rise. She sold these crafts and raised money for a local food pantry. In 2001, Catherine underwent a bone marrow transplant, and again, during her recovery, she was determined to hold another craft fair. This time, she raised money for AA&MDSIF. And the tradition of Catherine’s Craft Fair began. Over $18,000 has been raised through this event.

In 2010, the event changed slightly. Catherine was off at college, busy with the demands of being a freshman. So, her brother Ian and their friends Connor Schmidt and Benjamin Johnson decided to carry on the wonderful tradition of Catherine’s Craft Fair. They did everything from planning to organizing to running the fair. They even added a few new features – a moon bounce and an obstacle course. Currently, the event is organized by Catherine’s younger brother Alex.

Aplastic Anemia Halloween Benefit Bash
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The Annual Aplastic Anemia Halloween Benefit Bash began in 2011. It is organized by aplastic anemia survivor Mario Rivera and his wife Alison to raise awareness and funds. Over $4,100 has been raised through this event.

The costumed Halloween party includes food, drink, raffles, give-aways, arts and crafts, and a Halloween costume contest. It is a family event, and tickets are sold to attend.

Throughout the year, items are collected for the raffle and the event itself. To volunteer or donate items contact Martha Crews at crews@aamds.org.

Five Mile Walk
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The Annual 5 Mile Walk in memory of Harold Adams is held every July in Sharon, VT. Over $6,800 has been raised through this event.

Since 2005, family and friends of Harold Adams have gathered together to walk in his memory. This walk celebrates his life and raises awareness and money for MDS and bone marrow failure disease. The walk is organized by his daughter, Felicia Nalepinski.