SAVANNAH -- Catie’s Gathering is a 10-year tradition in Effingham County, with nearly 1,000 guests attending each year. Due to the pandemic, Catie’s Gathering 2021 event in Effingham will be held virtually March 20. 

The event offers attendees a unique opportunity to gather in small groups while making a difference for kids fighting cancer through Catie’s Fund – a named fund of CURE Childhood Cancer. Hostesses will hold small in-person dinner events and individuals who prefer to social distance will enjoy a carry-out dinner in their own homes. All attendees will be able to watch the Catie’s Gathering program via a link. Simply Southern will provide all guests with the to-go dinners.

Tickets are available at www.CGEff2021.givesmart.com

The creator of the event, Jenny Wilkins, began Catie’s Gathering in memory of her daughter Catie, who died after a courageous battle with a rare brain cancer called medulloblastoma. During Catie’s journey, the family was astounded to learn that the very best medical care Catie was offered was the exact same treatment that her father’s cousin received 15 years prior. The lack of progress inspired Jenny and her family to take action to advance pediatric cancer treatments.

Catie’s Gathering was initially called “Sisters on a Journey” and began in Effingham County in 2011 with 100 guests attending. Every year since, the event has grown and now has sell-out crowds at events in Savannah, Effingham County, Bryan County and Statesboro. 

To date, the events have raised more than $2 million for Catie’s Fund. Catie’s Fund is a Named Fund of CURE Childhood Cancer and all fund proceeds are directed toward advancing the use of precision medicine, or gene-based therapy, for children with cancer.

“We are so grateful for the Catie’s Gathering events and Catie’s Fund,” said Kristin Connor, executive director of CURE. “Not only are the events critical to supporting innovative research, but the fund allows us to honor Catie, a little girl I loved, and advance her legacy. The critical funds raised by these events fund research aimed at improving outcomes for the 20 percent of children not surviving today’s methods of treatment. These dinners are a special remembrance of Catie and a way to share the stories of the children we serve along with the positive impact we can have working together.”

For more information on the event, please visit www.CGEff2021.givesmart.com