Georgia Pest Control Companies Raise Funds for Leukemia and Lymphoma

Hundreds of dedicated volunteers in the Georgia Pest Control Association have helped raise money for the past four years for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Pest Control companies from across the state of Georgia participated in a major fundraising effort for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society through the Georgia Pest Control Association (GPCA). Valera Jessee, Exeuctive Director of GPCA says, “We want to thank those customers and friends who participated in this successful fundraising effort. The funds we raised support the Society's mission: cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.”

History of the Partnership
In 2007, GPCA raised $126,539 and since 2004, contributed more than $400,000. As an organization, GPCA makes the largest single contribution to the charity in the state of Georgia.

In 2004, the Georgia Pest Control Association made a commitment to support a local charity to give back to the communities that their members serve. The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society was chosen because nearly everyone has been affected in some way by these potentially devastating diseases. The success of this endeavor is due in large part to several companies who, early on, stepped up to lead the fundraising efforts.

Creative Fundraising Activities
One of these companies is Allgood Pest Solutions in Atlanta where Mike Tindol, (title?) initiated the participation of GPCA in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Linda Patton and her daughter Lesia, aspiring custom-cake baker, used their skills and love for baking pound cakes and brownies to hold a cake sale. The two set up shop until only 1 pm beside a local store and sold $585 of their famous baked goods to benefit the L&L!

Advanced Services in Augusta, headed by Jeff Annis who matches dollar for dollar funds raised by his employees up to $5000 each year. “It is gratifying to see the creativity shown by the participating companies in developing unique fundraising ideas,” explains Rachel Benson, Special Events Coordinator for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Georgia Chapter.

Northwest Exterminating had a cookbook fundraiser, company breakfast, BBQ sale and bake sales.

Members of the Cook’s Pest Control team held a Church concert and yard sales.

Arrow Exterminators’ various branches held a Texas Hold ‘em Tournament, and hot dog sales.

Allgood Pest Solutions offered employee incentives, rewarding their staff with prizes, gift cards or a paid day of leave. All participating companies solicited donations from customers.

GPCA as an organization participated in Light the Night Walks (photo attached) which is The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's nationwide evening Walk to build awareness of blood cancers and raise funds for cures. Walkers carry illuminated balloons -- white for survivors and red for supporters-to celebrate and commemorate lives touched by cancer.

Other fundraising activities include participating in the charity golf tournament and securing donations from customers.

“People are always searching for ways to help in the fight against cancer. Blood cancers like leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma are the fifth most often diagnosed cancers in the world. In fact, over 2,500 Georgians battle this disease every day. We must find a cure. You can help.” said Dick Brown, Executive Director of the Georgia Chapter of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Since its founding in 1949, the Society has invested more than $550 million in blood cancer research.