Our Mission
We are dedicated to improving the quality of life for people living with cancer in the Santa Cruz community by raising money to support our beneficiary organizations and fund new research that will provide possible cures and better solutions for treating cancer. Our non-profit organization accomplishes these activities by raising community consciousness through events supported by our partners.
Our Promise
In 1995, five friends raised a glass to each other and made a promise. They promised that they would dedicate their time and energy to raise money to support people living with cancer, and to support the research that could lead to alternative treatments and hopefully a cure. They promised to support local groups that were providing the much-needed services for people living with cancer in Santa Cruz County. And they promised to create positive ways to channel their frustrations with watching the suffering experienced during cancer treatments and the pain of losing loved ones into encouraging, community events where people could celebrate the promise of a day when treating cancer would be less painful and cures would abound.
These five friends invited the whole community join them and from this promise the First Annual Spring Forward Against Cancer Tennis Tournament and Celebration called “Volley for Cancer” was born. Today the promise is still being upheld by these friends: David Adams, John Battendieri, Bob Munsey, Jerry Neilsen and Terry Pershall founders of the Santa Cruz Cancer Benefit Group.
Our Goal
In their first year, the Santa Cruz Cancer Benefit Group raised $2000 for their cause. Now 28 years later we have raised over $2 million in funds for our community. Our goal is simply to raise more money each year to support our current partners, and inspire new initiatives that can bring peace into the lives of those who suffer and a cure to end the pain.
Our Team
The original five founders are still actively involved and part of the Board of Directors, along with additional members of the community and leagues of active volunteers who fuel the organization. Together they persevere year after year raising funds with an ever-renewed motivation to keep their promise.
Your Opportunity
Join us and give much needed help to those experiencing cancer in their lives by attending one of our events, volunteering or making a contribution. It’s simple. Your donation makes a direct impact in the lives of people living in our community. As long as people suffer from cancer, the Santa Cruz Cancer Benefit Group will be here to raise the funds necessary to ease their pain. Join us!
