Charleston’s Heartwarming Shuck Fest: A Feast for a Cause
Charleston, S.C., recently came alive with laughter, music, and of course, a whole lot of delicious oysters at the second annual Shuck Fest, all in support of a heartwarming cause. This vibrant event was organized by the Lonan Foundation, a local non-profit dedicated to assisting children who have a parent or caregiver facing a cancer diagnosis.
Inspired by Love and Loss
The Shuck Fest is not just any event; it’s infused with love and remembrance. The founder, Anna Lonon, created this gathering in honor of her late husband, Michael, who tragically lost his battle with cancer ten years ago. “I will not be afraid of that disease, and I don’t want anyone else to. I want them to feel empowered to push back against it,” Anna shared passionately. With a heavy heart but an unwavering spirit, she established the foundation in 2016, after experiencing the profound impact of loss while raising two young children, Jack, who was just four years old at the time, and a three-month-old baby, Harper.
While Anna was devoting her time to grieving, she recognized the pressing need for support in times of tragedy. “For Michael, that was a major concern for him. He wanted to know that we were going to be okay and that Jack and Harper were going to be okay,” she recalled. Thankfully, they are managing, albeit after a long and challenging journey, fueled by the love of family, friends, and support systems.
Shucking Up Funds for Families
With the goal of $50,000 set for this year’s Shuck Fest, the energy was electrifying! Attendees were treated to a grand evening filled with shucking oysters, live auctions, and plenty of opportunities to dig deep into their pockets for a worthy cause. Surprisingly, the first hour saw them reach a staggering $40,000 already!
“It was just phenomenal to watch everybody. It’s just amazing to see people give from their heart to help people they don’t even know,” Anna expressed, visibly moved by the generosity all around her. It wasn’t just about the money; it symbolized a community coming together to support one another in unimaginable times.
A Family Affair of Volunteers
The spirit of community didn’t just stop at donations. Volunteers of all ages got in on the action, showing up to lend a hand. Among them was Anna’s 16-year-old stepson, Charlie Bhat. His attitude was reflective of the youthful energy present. “Doing that just kind of creates a character in a person, and showing younger kids that doing this stuff, you can make it fun and stuff and you can really improve yourself and become a better person,” he shared. It was clear that the Shuck Fest was a place where memories were made, and the future leaders of tomorrow learned the beauty of giving back.
Looking Ahead
With so much momentum from the Shuck Fest, Anna expressed her commitment to growing the foundation’s team. The aim is to focus more on critical initiatives, particularly enhancing the child-life support program to assist families in need better. “Moving forward, we want to ensure every child whose parent or caregiver is battling cancer feels supported during their toughest times,” she declared, sharing her vision for the future.
For anyone who missed out on this spectacular event but still wants to contribute to the cause, the Lonon Foundation warmly welcomes donations. You can simply follow their link on their website for more details.
Charleston, once again, showcased its warmth and compassion, proving that when a community comes together, incredible things can happen – all while enjoying shucked oysters and celebrating life!
