Chicken and dumplings just one way group helps cancer patients and their families

Knox County Cancer Patient Fund (KCCPF) hosted its annual Chicken and Dumpling fundraiser at the Scalf Chapel Church Fellowship Hall, from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 5. Immediately upon entering the building, guests were greeted with friendly faces and a warm welcome. President of KCCPF, Jan Kirkland, was manning the kitchen, diligently preparing more of the famous dumplings, which they make from scratch (and are delicious).

Kirkland, who has been the President with the organization for over five years, shared that with the help of all the guests who make purchases at their fundraisers and all the generous donations throughout the years, they have been able to help Knox County cancer patients and their families to afford life-saving medical procedures.  “It’s a very good cause. We do this to help the cancer patients…to be able to receive their treatment. This is what we do to raise money for one of the fundraisers. April is always our Chicken and Dumpling dinner,” she said, with her hands covered in flour, as she attended to the next batch of dumpling dough. “We also have spring sales at Belks,” while also noting they do Fall sales as well.

When asked how effective their fundraisers have been, Kirkland responded appreciatively, “In the last five years that I’ve…taken it over, we have never had to turn down a patient for the lack of funds.” 

One woman in attendance was a woman named Donella Pringle. Pringle shared that she, herself, was actually a cancer patient, and KCCPF helped her afford her treatments. Now she gives back by being an excellent help at all KCCPF events, and has been with them for about two years now. She has vibrant purple hair and a more vibrant personality, which brings a wonderful, positive energy to an otherwise heavy reality. 

Kirkland also shared that the turnout for the day’s event was great, keeping the group busy all day with cooking and other tasks. Kirkland estimated she was on her seventh pot of dumplings by then, with still a few hours of the event remaining.

A gentleman in attendance who was with Kirkland, Mike Alexander, wanted to be sure it was known that “All the money for the cancer patient fund that’s raised stays in Knox County.”

KCCPF also hosts auction events, and the dates and events they will be having can be found on their Facebook page at Knox County Cancer Patient Fund.