Vulcan Materials’ fundraiser helps cystic fibrosis research

By |  July 8, 2016

Photo courtesy of Vulcan Materials Co.More than 540 people attended Vulcan Materials Co.’s 14th annual Make a Break Thru for CF (cystic fibrosis) sporting clay-shooting fundraiser at the Chilhowee Sportsman’s Club in Maryville, Tenn. The event raised more than $175,000 for Cure Finders, a nonprofit organization dedicated to cystic fibrosis research. Over the past 14 years, Vulcan’s clay-shooting event has raised more than $1.7 million for the cause.

“It just couldn’t have happened without Vulcan and its people,” says Jim Deanda, a Cure Finders board member. “Their heart, support and motivation are exactly what makes this the largest charity clays tournament in the eastern United States.”

Deanda’s longtime friend, Vulcan Materials plant manager Kirk Eastin, was the one who first suggested using the event as a way to raise money for cystic fibrosis.

According to Vulcan Materials, it staffs the event with employee volunteers along with those from Cure Finders. Volunteers from the Maryville College and Montreat College women’s soccer teams also contribute.

This year’s cystic fibrosis fundraiser sold out with about 90 teams representing 10 states. They competed in five flights over two days, and prizes went to the top teams.

“Vulcan employees are proud to contribute to the communities in which we live and work,” says Jeff May, Vulcan Materials vice president and general manager of East Tennessee. “And that contribution means more than just financial support. Our people volunteer their time and talent.”

The event included a raffle, a cookout and a keynote speech from Deanda’s 20-year-old daughter, Callie, who was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis in 1998.

Cystic fibrosis is a progressive, genetic disease that causes persistent lung infections and limits the ability to breathe over time. Without treatment, cystic fibrosis results in death for 95 percent of affected children before age 5.

Callie says events like this have funded research necessary to bring new drugs to market that are improving and extending her life. She says the life expectancy of cystic fibrosis patients has increased from 28 to 38 since Callie was diagnosed at age 2.

“Vulcan and its employees are very proud of this annual event and even more proud that we have seen results in the length and quality of life it supports,” says Carl Van Hoozier Jr., Vulcan Materials manager of process improvement, community and government affairs. “For us, being a strong community partner means recognizing the unique opportunities we have to make a lasting difference in the communities we serve.”


Rose Moffett is the dedicated buyer for Tennessee’s Central Region of Vulcan Materials Co.

This article is tagged with , and posted in featured, Features

Comments are closed