LEONARDTOWN, Md. — Clements Cuties Foundation marked another milestone in its mission to assist families battling childhood cancer and other severe illnesses, raising over $308,000 in 2024. The funds were distributed to three local families during the annual banquet and check presentation event on Dec. 8, held at the Leonardtown Volunteer Fire Department.
The event, attended by community members, sponsors, and supporters, featured speeches from Maryland State Sen. Jack Bailey and Sean Sayers, the father of a past recipient, as well as a video recap of the year’s activities.
“This is our annual check presentation banquet,” said Ricky Ryce, president of Clements Cuties Foundation. “We highlight the events we held throughout the year, thank our sponsors, and present checks to our recipient families.”
Each of the three families received $79,967.15. The funds, raised through two major foundation events and various community fundraisers, are used to alleviate financial pressures for families dealing with childhood illnesses.
“These families use the funds for all kinds of different things,” Ryce said. “One family we supported has a daughter with Rett syndrome, which causes the body’s functions to gradually shut down. They’re in desperate need of a wheelchair-accessible van to transport her and their other children. Without it, she’s mostly stuck at home.”
The Clement’s Cuties Foundation began in the 1970s as a group of male softball players who dressed in women’s clothing to raise money for charity. Revived in 2014 by Ryce and Gary Norris, the foundation now organizes two main events each year: Clements Cuties Softball Showdown and Halloween Golf Tournament.
The Softball Showdown, held at Cryer’s Back Road Inn in Compton, features over 100 silent auction items, live auction items, raffles, refreshments, and live music, with proceeds going directly to families in need.
For more information about Clement’s Cuties Foundation or to contribute to its cause, visit clementscutiesfoundation.org.
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