Visionary of the Year nominee Jess Scott plans fun fundraisers for blood cancer research
Jess Scott, general manager at West Towne Pub in Ames, is in the running for Visionary of the Year with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
With the goal of raising $25,000, the money Scott raises will be used to help fund research and support blood cancer patients and their families.
She knows firsthand what it’s like to have family members with the disease.
“My dad actually has a form of leukemia. He’s doing well and is able to maintain it with medicine, but that’s why it’s so important that we keep funding research,” Scott said. Her parents are Jim and Kris May of Mitchellville.
“The money can go toward innovation and also toward things like hospital stays,” she said.
Funding for research has led to breakthroughs in immunotherapy, genomics and personalized medicine that are improving and saving the lives of patients.
Also, LLS provides free education and support for blood cancer patients and families.
As a nominee for Visionary of the Year, Scott is imagining a better future for blood cancer patients and has planned four fun events to raise money for the cause.
“I’ve gotten such a great response from everyone,” she said. “So far, I’ve heard nothing but ‘yes’ from everyone I’ve asked for help.”
It’s apropos that Scott gets support, according to Chelsea Johnsen, owner of Sisters in Cheese in Madrid, where Scott works part-time.
“Jess is always so helpful,” Johnsen said. “Whenever I need anything, I know I can count on her, which is so important for me as a small business owner.”
Happy hour at West Towne Pub is Friday
The first of Scott’s events is happy hour from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday at West Towne Pub, thanks to the support of owner Jason Mikkelsen.
“I asked Mikk if he would just donate a gift card, and he said he wanted to host a happy hour and wants to raise over $1,000,” Scott said. "It's so amazing to get such great support."
Mikkelsen will donate $1 for every drink purchased during the event.
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High Trestle Trail ride will raise funds, support local businesses
From 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 20, Scott has planned a ride on the High Trestle Trail, with support from Johnsen and the rest of her small fundraising team.
“It’s not just to donate and raise money. It’s to bring people together in the community and raise awareness for the businesses on the trail,” Scott said.
The business awareness created from being on a cycling route can have a big impact, Johnsen said. Last summer, Madrid was on RAGBRAI’s 50th anniversary route. It was a lot of work to prepare for the ride and host the riders, she said, but it was worth it.
“We see it, week after week, where someone says they came through on RAGBRAI and are back,” Johnsen said.
The ride begins at the Whistlin’ Donkey in Woodward, then stopping at Sisters in Cheese in Madrid, The Slater Station in Slater, Fenceline Beer Lab in Huxley, and the final stop is back in Madrid at Flat Tire Lounge.
The ride goes off the official trail a bit, and cyclists are encouraged to check out other local businesses, such as Flight Bar + Grille in Huxley, as they ride.
The cost is $40 in advance on Eventbrite.com and $50 the day of the event. All participants will be included in a raffle for fun prizes.
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Indoor charity run will be April 29
Catalyst gym near North Grand Mall will host a 90-minute mileage workout. The cost is $30, and runners will also be sponsored by donors, such as Ignite Yoga, which has pledged $1 per mile for the event.
The number of participants is limited to 20 people.
Celebrate the Kentucky Derby at an Ames speakeasy
“I truly love the Kentucky Derby, but I haven’t been able to go down there for it yet,” Scott said. “And this year is the 150th anniversary of the race.”
The event is from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. May 4.
Cellar 626, an Ames speakeasy where Scott works her third job, is hosting a Kentucky Derby party. The speakeasy is located behind Cyclone Liquors.
“You must be 21 or older to come in,” Scott said. “The cost is $20, which gets you a mint julep, and we’ll have boards by Sisters in Cheese.”
There will be a silent auction, and guests are encouraged to dress in their Kentucky Derby finery.
“I got a big huge green dress and a big hat to wear,” Scott said.
Cellar 626 will open early at 2 p.m. for the event and the race begins at 5:45 p.m.
Ronna Faaborg covers business and the arts for the Ames Tribune. Reach her at rlawless@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Happy hour, Kentucky Derby party planned to benefit leukemia patients
