Of almost $100k raised to fight cancer, Town well-represented
Fifteen area professionals became official ambassadors — including Gary Watlington, systems designer with His Security & Technology — along with campaign co-chairs, 14-year breast cancer survivor Deborah Mauldin, Socially Devoted Marketing, and His Security & Technology co-owner Scott Brockamp, working tirelessly August through November for the cause.
“I had a blast — it’s been fun,” said first-time ambassador Watlington during a campaign ending a “Gathering for Gratitude” celebration the co-chairs hosted in the Old City Friday, Nov. 21.
Watlington, who raised $4,100, said he was inspired by his wife and breast cancer survivor Robin Watlington to take part in the campaign.
Another first-year ambassador, Realtor Major Ward of Realty Executives, raised $6,260. “I’m ready to do it again,” he said enthusiastically.
Brockamp, an eight-year ambassador in previous years, has raised more than $250,000 and encouraged Watlington’s participation.
“It was nice passing the torch and getting to work with the campaign in a different capacity this year,” he said. “It has been gratifying to see the guys develop and to be able to encourage them.
“There has been a passion with this group, more than I had ever seen in previous campaigns,” Brockamp added. “What these ambassadors did was truly phenomenal. It has been a great campaign, and Deborah and I wanted to thank them ourselves with a finale event.”
Girish Desai, who operates El Chico Cafe in North Knoxville, raised more than $25,000, making him the top individual fundraiser. He has served as an ambassador since the Knoxville ACS Real Men Wear Pink campaigns began 10 years ago and was compelled to help in memory of his mother, who died of breast cancer in 1985.
“I love to see the funds we raise go directly to local needs, such as transportation,” Desai said.
Mauldin, who oversees marketing for His Security & Technology, had worked with non-profit Compassion in Action as co-chair of the Pink Ribbon Celebration for 10 years before taking on the co-chair duties of Real Men Wear Pink.
“We were just so happy to celebrate our Ambassadors’ dedication and accomplishments tonight,” she said. “They really are amazing men. I am a better person for knowing them.
“It’s so rewarding to see how much good can be done when we come together as a community,” Maudlin added.
