We’re all mad (and supportive) here

By Lyndsie Kiebert
Reader Staff

In Cindy Marx’s ideal world, she wouldn’t have a job.

But as long as cancer affects the lives of the people around her, the Community Cancer Services program manager said she’ll do what she can to support them — and she hopes the community will, too.

Sam Cornett in his dual role as the Mad Hatter. Photo by Amy Henderson.

Luckily for locals, support can come in the form of dressing up, sipping tea, mingling and dancing at the Mad Hatter Tea and Ball on April 21 at Tango Cafe.

CCS hosts the annual event to raise money and awareness for their programs, which include individual and group counseling, resources for research, loaned goods and financial support — just to name a few.

This year, the Tea will take place 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and the Ball is 6-10 p.m. The overarching theme is the Queen of Hearts, and dressing up is encouraged.

The Tea consists of an auction and a fashion show by Eve’s Leaves, where the models are CCS clients. Marx said there is rarely a dry eye in the house when their stories are told. She said the Tea typically sells out quickly, so securing tickets early is a must.

Marx said CCS is changing the format for the Ball this year from a dinner to a mingling and dancing event with a bar and heavy appetizers. There will be games, prizes for best costumes and live music from local band Mostly Harmless.

“The event is eating, drinking, dancing, having fun and supporting a good cause,” she  said.

Marx said CCS’s event fundraisers are particularly important because they help fund the non-profit’s operation. While Marx said she is always applying for grants to provide services, what’s harder is funding all the things that make CCS possible.

“(Grant organizations) want reports about how many people we support and all this stuff that takes someone time to manage, but nobody wants to fund the roof over our head or the people in the office,” she said. “You can’t have one without the other. The events we do support all of that.”

Tickets for the Tea are $40/person and $500/sponsor table and tickets for the ball run $50/person, $600/8-person sponsorship. Purchase tickets at communitycancerservices.com or call the CCS office at 208-255-2301.

Marx said there are also open spots on the CCS board and a number of CCS committees right now. Call the office if you’re interested.