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Peer-to-Peer fundraising challenge passes halfway point

Relay For Life, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, select DetermiNation, and other events are rallying together to fund the fight against cancer through a first-ever, collaborative Fund the Future fall incentive challenge which ends on Friday, Oct. 30, at noon CST.

So far, more than 3,304 participants have raised at least $250 and earned a long-sleeve, hooded t-shirt. Since Oct. 1, more than $3.1 million has been raised across our peer-to-peer properties. The Peer-to-Peer Fund the Future fundraising challenge leaderboard is updated twice a week with the latest results.

Here’s how this challenge works:

  • All challenge participants who raise $250 or more online between Oct. 1 - Oct. 30, 2020 at Noon CST are eligible to receive a gray, long-sleeve, hooded t-shirt, with their choice of Relay For Life, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, DetermiNation or ACS logo.
  • Only online and mobile app donations (including checks deposited via the app) qualify.
  • On a weekly basis, qualified participants will receive an email containing a redemption code to claim their shirt and will be able to identify a shipping address.

Here’s how you can help:

  • Since word-of-mouth is our most powerful tool, share the challenge with friends and family, encouraging them to sign up and begin fundraising. See below for sample social media posts.
  • You can always share local and national social media posts on personal social media pages. 

Sample Social Media Posts

  • Strides: We are stronger together. For the first time ever, join all American Cancer Society event participants in a critical nationwide challenge to fund the future. 79% of cancer patients report delays in care due to the pandemic - and they need our support! Sign up and raise $250 online between Oct. 1-30 and earn a gray Making Strides hooded T-shirt.
  • Active/DetermiNation: We are stronger together. For the first time ever, join all American Cancer Society event participants in a critical nationwide challenge to fund the future. 79% of cancer patients report delays in care due to the pandemic - and they need our support! Sign up and raise $250 online between Oct. 1-30 and earn a gray DetermiNation hooded T-shirt.
  • Relay: We are stronger together. For the first time ever, join all American Cancer Society event participants in a critical nationwide challenge to fund the future. 79% of cancer patients report delays in care due to the pandemic - and they need our support! Sign up and raise $250 online between Oct. 1-30 and earn a gray Relay hooded T-shirt.

  • Sign up for our Strides Across America Walk Challenge, Oct. 18-31

    The American Cancer Society hosted its first-ever national Making Strides broadcast on Sunday, Oct. 18. Strides Live Across America ensures every community and survivor has an opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated. This broadcast showcased and united breast cancer survivors and communities from coast to coast. If you missed it, you can watch the replay on MakingStridesWalk.org.

    Making Strides participants are invited to go the distance during the new Strides Across America Walk Challenge, Oct. 18-31, 2020. Those interested can sign up now to prepare for our 5-mile virtual walk beginning on Oct. 18 – and then continue the Making Strides movement by logging 279,100 miles together during the virtual walk challenge.

    As one nationwide community, let’s walk a mile in honor of every person that will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. Challenge participants can unlock exclusive content, safely enjoy connecting with supporters across the country, and keep the Making Strides spirit alive in October! To signup, visit MakingStridesWalk.org. 

    Even though we are apart this year, there are plenty of unique events and activations happening in many markets across the country. Please be sure to check out your local event page to learn more about Making Strides activities close to home.

  • Have you joined the #TwentyForTwenty Challenge?

    Do 20 reps, donate $20, and challenge friends/family to do the same

    Schedule Have you joined the #TwentyForTwenty Challenge? Do 20 reps, donate $20, and challenge friends/family to do the same Add cover image

    The #TwentyForTwenty Challenge is off to a great start! Launched on August 31, #TwentyForTwenty has raised over $108,000 in the first week through a combination of website, app, donor match, email, and social. We’ve had support by several basketball coaches, ESPN personalities, and fitness influencers across all social media platforms – with an emphasis on Twitter and Instagram.

    Join the #TwentyForTwenty Challenge

    1. Do 20 reps of exercise
    2. Donate $20 to cancer.org/donate
    3. Challenge others to do the same with #TwentyForTwenty and tag @AmericanCancerSociety

    Get started using the sample video script and social post below:

    • Sample video script: I’m participating in the American Cancer Society’s #TwentyForTwenty Challenge to help fight cancer. I’m going to do 20 (name the exercise) and donate $20 to the American Cancer Society and I challenge you to do the same! [Complete 20 of your exercise] I’m challenging name, name, name! 
    • Sample social post: Join me in the #TwentyForTwenty Challenge by donating $20 to @AmericanCancerSociety at cancer.org/donate and doing 20 reps of your favorite exercise! Now it’s your turn @Friend, @Mom, and @WorkoutCoach!


  • Orlando Cattle Baron's Ball to be hosted by former NSYNC member Joey Fatone

    ​Tune in Sat., Sept. 19, starting at 5:45 p.m. ET

    Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the previously scheduled Orlando Cattle Baron's Ball has now been rescheduled for September 19, from 6 -7 p.m. as a virtual online event (with a pre-show at 5:45 p.m.).

    The event will be streamed live from Rosen Plaza Hotel and include the same robust silent auction, exciting live auction, chance drawing favorites. We're adding a new fundraising photo contest called the Baron's Contest. 

    The program will be hosted by former NSYNC member, Joey Fatone, and entertainment will be provided by country music star, Sean Holcomb.

    Visit cattlebaronsballorlando.com for more information about this virtual event. Visit http://bidpal.net/cbb2020 to donate and register for mobile bidding. 


  • ACS CAN holds its first virtual Leadership Summit and Lobby Day

    On Sept. 15, more than 700 cancer patients, survivors, and their loved ones from all 50 states dialed into calls and logged onto virtual meetings to ask members of Congress to make the fight against cancer a national priority as part of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network’s (ACS CAN) Leadership Summit and Lobby Day. The advocates represented nearly every congressional district. 

    Due to the coronavirus pandemic, this is the first time ACS CAN hosted its annual Leadership Summit and Lobby Day virtually. It followed the Sept. 12 Lights of Hope Across America virtual event, which replaced the annual Lights of Hope ceremony that usually takes place on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC. The Facebook livestream reached an estimated 27,000 people and to date has been viewed more than 16,000 times.  Watch a replay here. 

    The hour-long livestream event featured dozens of stunning Lights of Hope displays in every location you could think of – neighborhood parks, front porches, backyards, driveways, windowsills and even iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Times Square. In all, there were 52,000 decorated bags and the event raised more than $720,000. Bristol Myers Squibb was the presenting sponsor. 

    "I was so honored to represent ACS CAN and share my display from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, a location of such significant meaning to our country and to this event," said ACS CAN President Lisa Lacasse.

    Here are some key events that took place during the week:

    Sunday, September 13

    ACS CAN recognized hardworking staff and volunteers for their outstanding work in cancer advocacy. See the full list of 2020 advocacy award recipients.

    Tuesday, September 15

    ACS CAN’s Lobby Day began with a kick-off event featuring NCAA Division I basketball coaches Jay Wright of Villanova University and Bill Self of the University of Kansas. The coaches rallied advocates before their virtual meetings and calls with lawmakers. The coaches are members of Coaches vs. Cancer®, a nationwide collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches™.

    During this year’s Lobby Day, advocates asked their lawmakers to:

    • Increase funding for cancer research and prevention programs with at least $44.7 billion (a $3 billion increase) for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Fiscal Year 2021, including $6.9 billion for cancer research at the National Cancer Institute (NCI), and $559 million for the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) cancer programs
    • Advance the Henrietta Lacks Enhancing Cancer Research Act. Named after the Black American woman from Baltimore who died of cervical cancer and whose cells cultivated during her treatment have been used to develop some of the most important cancer treatments, the Act would help focus on identifying and removing barriers that prevent underrepresented groups from participating in cancer clinical trials.

    ACS CAN also honored a select group of lawmakers and others who have made exemplary contributions to fight against cancer. The National Distinguished Advocacy Award, ACS CAN’s most prestigious honor, was presented to U.S. Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Penn.) and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), as well as Massachusetts State Senator John Keenan and State Representative Danielle Gregoire, and Atlanta City Councilmember Matt Westmoreland. ACS CAN’s Judicial Advocacy Initiative award, which recognizes attorneys who generously donate their services to the cancer fight, was given to Jeffrey B. Dubner of the Democracy Forward Foundation.

    The day concluded with a comedy night for the annual CAN Opener fundraiser. Throughout Leadership Summit and Lobby Day, ACS CAN hosted its annual silent auction online. Proceeds from both the CAN Opener and silent auction help ACS CAN further its advocacy work. 

    Media coverage

    Media coverage for both Lights of Hope and Leadership Summit and Lobby Day has maintained a steady drumbeat over the last few months, ramping up throughout the past week leading up to the events. Regional media advocacy staff have secured more than 100 media clips in outlets across the county, and we expect to see additional letters to the editor and post-event articles appear in volunteers’ local media outlets with reports of their successful week.



  • Staff and volunteer leaders meet with key African American stakeholders

    ​One of the immediate outcomes from the meeting was that the group decided to stay together as an advisory group and will meet regularly.

    On Sept. 9, our Executive Team and three Board members met virtually with the leaders of 13 national African American organizations to identify ways the Society can contribute to addressing the cancer burden among African American people and have more meaningful engagement with the Black community in the fight against cancer.

    While ACS has had a longstanding commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity, our Board and Executive Team are committed to doing more. The primary purpose of this important call was for ACS leaders to listen, as key African American leaders shared opportunities for engaging Black communities in the fight against cancer. ACS provided a diversity and inclusion pre-read document and an overview of our current efforts to reduce disparities, increase health equity, and focus on health equity-related advocacy.

    In addition to our entire Executive Team, the call was attended by Jeff Kean, Board chair; John Alfonso, Board vice chair/incoming Board Chair; Dr. Carmen Guerra; Board scientific officer, Maria Guyette, SVP of Talent Strategy; and Tawana Thomas-Johnson, VP of Diversity and Inclusion, as well as the following leaders and organizations:

    • Charles W. Hill, health and wellness chairman, 100 Black Men of America
    • Bishop Harry L. Seawright, Chairman and Reverend Natalie Mitchem, Executive Director, AME Church
    • Dr. Glenda Baskin Glover, International President, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority
    • Everett B. Ward, PhD, General President, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity
    • Gwainevere Catchings Hess, President, Board of Directors, Black Women’s Agenda
    • Beverly E. Smith, National President and CEO, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority
    • Dr. Michael O. Minor, National Director, NBCUSA H.O.P.E HHS Partnership, National Baptist Convention, USA
    • David Johns, Executive Director, National Black Justice Coalition
    • Melanie L. Campbell, President and CEO, National Coalition on Black Civic Participation
    • Leon McDougle, MD, President, National Medical Association
    • Micheal E. Cristal, International President, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity
    • Kimberly Jeffries Leonard, PhD, National President, The Links, Incorporated and ACS CAN Board member
    • Valerie Hollingsworth Baker, International President, Zeta Phi Beta


  • Our #TwentyForTwenty Challenge is on! Post a video of yourself doing 20 reps of your favorite exercise!

    Thanks to a generous sponsor, your gift will be matched dollar for dollar, up to a total of $20,000.

    Building on the momentum of #ShareThe Light, ACS has launched a new revenue-generating social campaign – the #TwentyForTwenty Challenge – to encourage people to exercise.

    Our best chance for success is for as many people as possible to post their challenge Aug. 31 - Sept. 2. Please share and ask your friends, family, and ACS partners to participate.

    How It Works

    Participants will make and post videos of themselves doing 20 reps of their favorite exercise (think jumping jacks, lunges, hula hoop circles) and donating $20 to @AmericanCancerSociety while challenging their friends to do the same! Participation from every area of the organization is encouraged for this fundraising initiative.

    Your Call to Action

    Post a video of yourself on social media (Facebook or Instagram) doing 20 reps of your favorite exercise with #TwentyForTwenty and tag @AmericanCancerSociety. Challenge your friends and family to do the same while also making a $20 donation to the American Cancer Society.

    Sample video script:

    • I’m participating in the American Cancer Society’s #TwentyForTwenty Challenge to help fight cancer. I’m going to do 20 (name the exercise) and donate $20 to the American Cancer Society and I challenge you to do the same! [Complete 20 of your exercise] I’m challenging name, name, name! 

    Sample social post:

    • Join me in the #TwentyForTwenty Challenge by donating $20 to @AmericanCancerSociety at cancer.org/donate and doing 20 reps of your favorite exercise! Now it’s your turn @Friend, @Mom, and @WorkoutCoach!

    Check out these posts for inspiration!




  • Making Strides challenge is underway through Sept. 14

    ​Raise $35 to earn an MSABC tote

    Beginning Monday, August 24, and running through Monday, September 14, at noon CST, all Making Strides Against Breast Cancer participants are invited to participate in this year’s Sign Up to Fund the Future challenge. 

    Here’s how this challenge works: 

    • All Making Strides participants who register and raise $35 or more online by Monday, September 14, 2020, at noon CST, will be eligible to receive a Making Strides tote! (There is a limit of one item per qualified participant, while supplies last.)
    • Only online donations made by credit card, PayPal, and mobile app (including checks scanned through the app) are applicable; no cash or mailed check donations.  
    • On a weekly basis, qualified participants will receive an email containing a redemption code to claim their Making Strides swag and requesting their shipping address.

    Participants can choose to forego redemption of the incentive item to further support the mission of the American Cancer Society, if desired. 

    Here’s how you can help: 

    • Since word-of-mouth is our most powerful tool, discuss the challenge with friends and family, encouraging them to sign up and begin fundraising. 
    • You can always share local and national social media posts on your personal social media pages. 

    Just think of all the good we can do with this early burst of sign ups. More money for breast cancer research. More answers to even the toughest breast cancer questions through our 24/7 helpline. Now’s the time to help save lives AND earn Making Strides swag!  




  • Tune in to our Atlanta gala on August 29, 7 p.m. ET - and ask others to do the same

    ​Hope Ball @ Home benefits childhood cancer research, honors Home Depot co-founder Arthur Blank

    Don your evening gown and heels, black tie, or participate in your pajamas! Everyone is invited to join Atlanta’s social and corporate communities as they gather virtually for this year’s American Cancer Society Hope Ball, presented by Delta Air Lines on Saturday, August 29, at 7 p.m. 

    Hope Ball @ Home will stream live on the American Cancer Society YouTube channel. Invite all who would be interested to join!

    Throughout the evening’s program, winners will be selected from photos on Facebook and Instagram for best selfie, best dressed, and best food spread. Participants should use the hashtags: #HopeATLSelfie, #HopeATLBestDressed and #HopeATLSpread.  

    The hour-long live stream will feature stories of hope, special guests, and entertainment including:

    • Fred Blankenship & Linda Stouffer, WSB-TV Channel 2 Action News morning anchors, will emcee.
    • Arthur Blank (pictured at the right), co-founder of The Home Depot, owner of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United, and cancer survivor, will receive the 2020 Hope Award and will be honored with tributes from well-known Atlanta business leaders.
    • NFL Player’s Choir performs “This Little Light of Mine” 
    • Mission moment features Jenn Hobby who shares the cancer journey of her young daughter Reese, along with pediatric cancer researcher Dr. Ryan Summers, who works in the laboratory of ACS grant-funded researcher Dr. Douglas Graham at Emory Winship Cancer Institute.
    • Mixology break with Mercedes O'Brien, former cocktail director at Atlanta’s Gunshow restaurant and founder of Sippn’ at Home, a cocktail kit service. Mercedes will demonstrate how to make “Helen’s Hope” in honor of her grandmother who passed away from breast cancer.
    • Experience a gala dinner from the comfort of home as Southern Belle’s Chef Joey Ward serves up a delicious to-go feast. If you're in Atlanta, order for Friday or Saturday pick up. A portion of the proceeds benefits ACS.
    • Auctioneer Magen McRoberts will conduct an actual live auction. Register to bid on silent and live auction items here. Five live auction items include: East Lake Golf Club & PGA Superstore experience, Delta Air Lines getaway, Blalock Farms Hunting & Sporting escape, Silversea luxury cruise, St. Regis dinner for 12. 
    • PK in the Morning show featuring PK, Denise, Duryan, and DJ Babey Drew from Power 96.1 will host the Hope Ball at Home after party. They have created a playlist especially for the American Cancer Society Hope Ball @ Home that can be found on the iHeartRadio app here.
    • Mike Moore, senior vice president, Maintenance Operations at Delta TechOps, returns as 2020 Hope Ball chair. Latanza Adjei, Corporate Services vice president at Georgia Power Company, and Ken McCue, vice president, Delta Air Lines, and president, Delta Material Services, will co-chair the event. (Latanza and Mike are pictured above.)

    Up to and on event night, funds raised during the Hope Ball mission moment will support childhood cancer research in partnership with the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. After accidents, childhood cancer is the second leading cause of death in children, and the leading disease-related cause of death for children ages 1 to 19.  

    “We are pleased to be a part of the 2020 Hope Ball @ Home honoring Arthur Blank and supporting the American Cancer Society and St. Baldrick’s Foundation,” says Mike Moore. “During this difficult time, our gifts are more important than ever. We hope to have record numbers of people join us and virtually raise their hands to donate to the fight against childhood cancer.”

    “The generosity and ongoing support of Delta Air Lines through the coronavirus pandemic speaks to their commitment to our mission of saving lives, celebrating lives, and leading the fight for a world without cancer,” said Brant Woodward, EVP, Southeast Region. “Never before in ACS’s 107-year history has the mission been more at risk than it is now, however, with the support of Delta and all our wonderful partners, we have been able to pivot and devise a plan for how we engage and serve communities with a greater focus on digital connections like we’re doing with Hope Ball @ Home. With courage, determination, and some innovation, the mission will not stop on our watch.”

    For more information, visit hopeball.org.
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