How A Fundraiser Lead to a Foundation
Tim & Jeannie Hamann along with family and friends had fundraised annually for 12 years for the American Cancer Society’s “Relay for Life” as The Hamann’s Hearts For A Cure Team. They started with a community garage sale which continued to grow year after year. In 2005, they held their 1st Annual Dinner & Auction at their home. The auction today continues to be the main fundraising event for the Foundation. A close friend, in her early 30’s, was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. As she was struggling financially while going through treatments and continuing to work, her car became inoperable. Tim & Jeannie wanted to do something to help her, so they held a picnic in the park to raise money to help replace her car. Through a joint effort with friends and family and by reaching out to the community they successfully raised $4,000 to help replace her car. Inspired by the support and success from the small fundraiser, in the spring of 2014 Jeannie & Tim saw the need to create a 501(c)3 foundation so they could help patients directly and still donate to the American Cancer Society for research. The Tim & Jeannie Hamann Foundation was established. Their mission was simple and straight forward – “Giving a Hand Up to patients along their journey Fighting Cancer”. They wanted to make a difference and have a direct impact in the battle against cancer in all ages, cancer type and stage! The Foundation is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization. In the months after the picnic in the park fundraiser, Jeannie, herself, was diagnosed with stage 1 triple negative breast cancer. Through Jeannie’s personal cancer journey, she was able to meet and interact with oncologists, nurses, patients, fellow warriors, and fighters which gave a whole new resource to those needing assistance along their journey. The Foundation partners with local oncology units at surrounding hospitals on a referral basis. The Foundation’s first donation was $2,000 to the Sutter Solano Cancer Center in Vallejo, CA to help provide transportation to those in need of assistance. Since its inception in 2014, the Foundation has granted over $700,000 to patients giving a HAND UP with rent and mortgage payments, gas & groceries, medical expenses, utility payments and other needs as approved by the Advisory Committee and the Board of Directors. The form of support is direct to the patients’ needs to help make a difference along their personal journey fighting cancer. The Tim & Jeannie Hamann Foundation continues to grow year after year, inspired by the community and those whom we have given a Hand Up along their journey.
