GiveAThon4Peggy: Giving back to a giver
Words come easy as Johnny Collier and Dallas Dorrall explain what makes Peggy McCollum a remarkable woman. They stand in the shade at McFarland Park in Florence and agree it’s the perfect place to talk about the needs of the woman who has, for the past 15 years, organized Rally at the River to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Collier, a local recording artist, describes McCollum as a giver. Dorrall, Collier’s marketing and promotions manager, said McCollum works tirelessly to help others and it’s time for her to be on the receiving end.
For the latest Rally at the River, which took place in June, Collier performed and Dorrall helped McCollum with the event’s website and social media presence.
Dorrall saw firsthand how McCollum’s passion for St. Jude outweighed her own medical challenges.
“Even when she’s fighting cancer, which she’s been doing since 2009, Peggy still organizes Rally at the River every year,” Dorrall said. “It’s important to her. You don’t find many people who have that kind of conviction. She doesn’t make a penny. She doesn’t get any accolades — she doesn’t even want her picture taken.”
While planning this year’s rally, Dorrall said despite McCollum’s usual sunny demeanor, it was obvious she was sick.
“She had lost her hair, but she never talked about it,” Dorrall said. “I finally asked her, ‘what are you going through?’ When she told me, my heart just sank.”
Traditional treatments have proven to be less effective in McCollum’s latest battle with breast cancer. She’s trying a new treatment that’s past the experimental stage but hasn’t been approved by insurance companies. Each treatment has an out-of-pocket, up-front cost of $750.
“There are five to eight treatments in each course,” Dorrall said. “She could have as many as four courses of this. That’s thousands and thousands of dollars.”
The idea for Sunday’s Give-A-Thon supporting Peggy McCollum was born as Dorrall relayed their friend’s situation to Collier during dinner that night.
“She’s getting great results, but it’s so expensive,” Dorrall said. “We both felt strongly about helping Peggy. Johnny does benefits all the time — with Peggy, it’s extra personal.”
Collier and Dorrall knew McCollum wouldn’t go for a conventional fundraiser, so the two created an event — a Give-A-Thon — that suits their friend’s humble nature.
“Peggy is very Godly — she loves her Lord,” Dorrall said. “She is all about family. She is all about community. She is all about fellowship. The typical benefit doesn’t fit her at all. It being a Give-A-Thon is key. Yes, the money is important, but more important than that is the love, prayers and good wishes. That’s the part that will feed her soul. That’s what she really needs.”
The Give-A-Thon begins at 5 p.m. Sunday at Fiesta Mexicana on Florence Boulevard. No ticket is necessary, but for $10, there will be a fajita buffet. Drinks are not included. Children younger than 5 eat free. Tickets will be available at the door or can be purchased in advance at Counts Brothers in Muscle Shoals.
There also will be a silent auction and a 50/50 raffle. Auction items can be seen on the event’s Facebook page, GiveAThon4Peggy. Information about options on ways to donate is also on the Facebook page.
Dorrall said there won’t be any fanfare — the silent auction will be in the restaurant’s back room, donations of any amount are welcome and will be private.
There will be a giving table at the event, where an additional donation buys a “kindness card” for McCollum that can be personalized.
“I want Peggy to leave at the end of the night with a box full of cards,” Dorrall said. “I want her to see these personal notes of encouragement written to her. While she’s getting a treatment, I want her to have this big box of cards beside her. I want her to read the personal messages of love and the well wishes over and over again.”
Dorrall said community support for the Give-A-Thon has been strong. McCollum’s employer, Robbins, LLC, is a sponsor along with Quad Cities Daily and Champy’s. David Havens, of KIX 96, will serve as emcee.
After sharing a meal together and ample time to fellowship, Collier and his band will perform.
“I want to thank my band for donating their time,” Collier said. “They believe in me and the causes I believe in, and I’m thankful for that.”
The fundraising goal for Sunday is $3,750, but Dorrall has a stretch goal of $10,000 to help with future treatments.
“What I like about this is, Peggy will get all the money,” Collier said. “This is my kind of event. This is the way to do it. You’re helping the person directly. This is not about making a big splash or having a big show, this is about helping someone.”
McCollum is planning to attend, but she admits she’s a little nervous — being in the spotlight makes her uncomfortable.
“I’ll be honest, I don’t have words,” McCollum said. “I know I have people who love me, but I’ve never had anybody show me this kind of love before. I don’t feel worthy of such. It’s amazing what they’re doing.”
In addition to raising money, Collier and Dorrall hope the Give-A-Thon lifts McCollum’s spirits and gives her a chance to mingle with her well-wishers.
“We want people to be able to give her a hug,” Dorrell said. “We want people to be able to tell her they’re thinking about her. If you know Peggy, you love her. If you haven’t had the opportunity to meet Peggy yet, give it five minutes and you will love her.”
monica.collier@timesdaily.com or 256-740-5725. Twitter @TD_mcollier.