Hitting the Target for Pediatric Cancer

The Shoot Down Kid’s Cancer (SDKC) event took place on March 14, 2026, at the Gulf Coast Clays at Port of the Islands. Now in its eighteenth year, event co-founder Don Henderson reflected on both the event’s growth and the donors’ generosity. “There were over 120 people, including staff and volunteers. The participation is about the same as previous years, but there were more generous donations than we have had in the past,” Henderson said.

A 100-target sporting clays shoot, a delicious lunch, live auction, door prizes, and special awards filled the morning event’s agenda.

This year’s event fundraised a total of $100,000 that will be split 50/50 between Golisano’s Children’s Hospital and the American Cancer Society. Representatives from the two organizations, SDKC co-founder Don Henderson, and newly appointed President Jim Richards met at The Esplanade to present the check.

Over the 18-year span of the event’s existence, $1 million dollars has been raised towards pediatric cancer. In the U.S., an estimated 15,780 children between the ages of birth and 19 are diagnosed with cancer. One in 286 children in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer before their 20th birthday. Globally, there are more than 300,00 children diagnosed with cancer each year.

The need for research to eradicate this horrible disease is crucial, along with financial help for the families whose children are suffering.

Founded in 2006 by the late Gary Landis and Henderson, SDKC has become a staple fundraiser in an effort to accomplish this mission.

Jim Richards became involved about three years ago as a board member and is transitioning to president from Henderson. They intend to work closely together in the upcoming years, keeping the mission ever at the forefront. “This charity is close to my heart. It is worth it and it’s a lot of fun to give back,” said Richards.

Accepting the funds on behalf of Golisano’s Children’s Hospital was Jason Grill, Director of Development for the Lee Health Foundation. When asked his feelings about seeing the amount of money going towards the hospital, he replied, “We’re just incredibly grateful. We provide cancer care to kids regardless of whether their families can pay, and that's only possible because we have investment and support from our community. So, to see the people of Marco Island come together as part of Shoot Down Kids Cancer and raise this much money to support us is an absolute privilege, and we are so thankful for it.”

Sue Olszak, with the American Cancer Society – Marco Island, has been involved with the event for 15 years. “It supports such a great cause,” she said. “And every year, you will see some of the same people because they believe in it. They believe they are doing this for kids with cancer, because without research, how will we beat it?” She was thankful for the funds raised. “I think that it just goes to show you that when the whole community is coming together and it doesn’t matter what organization you’re with – because when you have the same goals, we are all in this fight together.”

SDKC has taken place annually at the Gulf Coast Clays in Port of the Islands, and Richards praised the range for their involvement. “They set up the range, staff the volunteers at every station, and give safety briefings. There is always someone there to make sure that everybody is doing what they are supposed to do. They have been very gracious.”

The event could also not function without sponsorships. For the 2026 event, over a dozen local businesses and individuals took part in sponsorships, including Germain BMW as the Presenting Sponsor. Additionally, ten teams participated along with several individual shooters who made generous donations.

“We hope that this event catches on and multiplies throughout the country,” said Richards.

The 19th annual Shoot Down Kids Cancer event is scheduled for March 20th, 2027, and interested parties can sign up and find more information at: shootdownkidscancer01@gmail.com

Statistics cited from American Childhood Cancer Organization, www.acoo.org.