Robotics, golf teams lauded volunteer hours spent with KCCU
KINGMAN – On Tuesday afternoon February 7, a platoon of pink shirt volunteers from the Kingman Cancer Care Unit (KCCU) descended upon Kingman Academy High School (KAHS) for an appreciation ceremony to honor the school’s golf and robotics teams. The appreciation was expressed to the teams for donating their time and energy to KCCU’s annual Arts & Crafts Fair last November. Current KCCU president and leading the ceremony was Claire Crum. Speaking on behalf of the pink shirt volunteers,. Crum graciously thanked B.J. Maticic, coach of both the golf and the robotics teams, for encouraging his students to help with last year’s fair. Additionally, she thanked all the team members in attendance and presented them a large chocolate cake that read, “KCCU thanks KAHS Golf and Robotics teams!”
The KCCU is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization; is 100% autonomous and it is not affiliated with any other cancer organizations in the state or country. KCCU was formed in 1975 by a dedicated and compassionate group of citizens for the purpose of raising money and providing relief to local cancer patients. All funds raised and donations collected by K.C.C.U. stay in Kingman and the surrounding areas, save a yearly donation of $2,000 to the University of Arizona’s cancer research program. KCCU uses the money to provide transportation to and from doctor appointments and treatment centers. Financial assistance is available to patients for medicines, rent help, travel, food, and hotel expenses should they have to leave the area for medical procedures. Funds distributed to those in need are done so anonymously, so that patients and their condition can remain private. In 2021 the Unit paid out a total amount of $110,000 to help local cancer patients and in 2022 they helped out to the tune of $78,337. The funds given out in 2022 to help cancer patients break down like this; $31,390 for lodging, $19,400 for miscellaneous health care, $13,379 for rent, $13,257 for utilities, and $911 for medicines. The Kingman Cancer Care Unit’s mission is to provide financial aid and moral support to patients and their families during their time of need. K.C.C.U.’s mission is fulfilled and the help is provided because of the generosity of those in the community.
To continue their mission, KCCU relies on generous local businesses, donations from the community, and their annual Arts & Crafts fair to help fill their coffers. Without the good hearts of the community and their kind donations, KCCU would not be able to provide the support and services to our local cancer patients. Businesses thanked and mentioned were Preston Investments, Angle Homes, Mattress Land, and Jersey Mike’s Subs. Preston Investments and Angle Homes have made generous donations to the KCCU. Mattress Land donated two recliners for a silent auction, and one lucky winner received two tickets to a Cardinal’s game in a raffle. The tickets, plus parking were donated by a community member who wishes to remain anonymous. Other raffle prizes were $1,000 cash, $500 cash, and gift certificates from local businesses. A large part of the funds raised by the KCCU comes from their annual Arts & Crafts Fair held every November at the Mohave County Fairgrounds. More than 120 vendors bring their creations to be displayed and sold at the fair. On average KCCU raises approximately $33,000 from the Arts & Crafts Fair, which covers one-forth to one-half of their expenses depending on the demand for assistance that year. The fair is a big production and KCCU needs all the help it can get when putting it on, so this is where the Kingman Academy golf and robotics team enter the story.
Coach Maticic, along with his golf and robotics teams came out and spent the day volunteering their time to help with last November’s fair. The teams began their day by helping vendors move their display tables, set-ups, and merchandise into the fairgrounds; by collecting parking fees and flagging cars into parking spots; by selling tickets for the raffle; and by being available if anyone needed an extra hand. At the end of the day they assisted vendors by breaking down the display tables, set-ups, and helped move everything back to the vendor’s vehicles. Coach Maticic said, “Anytime the KCCU needs us, we’re there. It’s all apart of teaching these kids people skills, contributing to the community, and encouraging them to give back.” When asked how students felt about volunteering their time to the KCCU, senior Lynnae Horinek said, “It’s good. I enjoy being apart of it.” Freshmen Jayden Valencia said, “It’s a fun experience to help.” And junior Nikoli Maticic said, “I like it, it’s fun to do.” The cake presented at the ceremony didn’t stand a chance. Senior Lanie Dela-Pena, a member of the robotics team stated, “The cake is really good!”
Local businesses are always chipping in to help this worthy cause, and next up is Jersey Mike’s Subs, 3535 Stockton Hill Rd. Mark your calendars, because on March 31 Jersey Mike’s will be donating 100% of their profits for that day to the Care Unit. If anyone wishes to help by getting a sub sandwich, they are encouraged to attend this fund raiser. March 31 is going to be a busy day for Jersey Mike’s, so it is recommended that you order your sub sandwich online the night before at www.jerseymikes.com. You can also call in your order at this number 928-692-7657.
Crum stated, “I just want to thank Mr. Maticic and his wonderful kids for helping KCCU with our Arts & Crafts Fair last year. Their time and help are greatly appreciated and we hope to see them again this year.” If interested in donating to KCCU or becoming a member, contact Crum at 928-530-5882 for a membership application and mail it to P.O. Box 3014 Kingman, AZ 86402. If interested in learning more this “bunch of determined ladies” meets every third Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. in the Kathryn Heidenreich Adult Center, 1776 Airway Ave.
Estevan Hernandez
