It’s not surprising, then, that four friends from Edmonton – Jody Mathon, Kim Tilley, Keri Emin and Tamara Serediak – have all lost a parent to pancreatic cancer over the past six years. These four women decided to take stand against this awful disease by raising awareness and money through a fundraiser they created called Purple with a Purpose. The non-profit fundraising event is a gala, taking place in Edmonton at the Art Gallery of Alberta on November 9, 2013. “We’ve all lost our parents to pancreatic cancer in the last five to seven years,” Mathon says. Purple with a Purpose was created due to the absence of any kind of major event for this specific cancer that fit their fundraising plans. “One of the girls that I’ve known forever lost her dad to pancreatic cancer and she was looking for a cause that she could join to raise money for pancreatic cancer – like a run or something, but there were none. She approached me and asked if I would help her create an event.” Mathon recalls.
Friends with a Purpose: Kim Tilley, Tamara Serediak, Jody Mathon and Keri Emin take an artistic approach to fundraising.
Photo: Ryan Girard
Mathon says Purple with a Purpose is no ordinary fundraiser. The formal gala event includes duelling pianos, drinks and catering, and a silent auction with prizes, such as hot air balloon flights, high-end hotel packages and electronics, as well as some one-of-a-kind items.
If you’re looking for tickets to this high-class event, you’ll have to act fast. Mathon excitedly explains that ticket sales have far exceeded what she and her friends hoped for the event.
Mathon expects ticket sales to reach the 100-per-cent mark by the time of the event. “The funds will stay in Alberta and will go directly to pancreatic cancer research.”
Check out purplewithapurpose.ca for more information on the November gala. Also, see albertacancer.ca to find ways to create your own fundraiser like Mathon and her friends did.
