Local cancer survivor helps organize unique fundraiser for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

“They saved my life,” said Lily, who was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of three.

Lily is now a healthy, 12 year old, who is a seventh grader and attends Tupelo Middle School. Lily says her mom, Nichole came up with the idea for a pumpkin painting party for St Jude.

‘I was all in, this is such an amazing idea for the community, If I was little I would come and paint a pumpkin,” Lily said.

You can still paint a pumpkin.

“I will be,” she said.

Lily just needed a space to host the Pumpkin Painting Party, and that is where Mae’s To Go Cup came in.  The popular West Tupelo Coffee Shop is always looking for ways to support the community.

 The fundraiser is this Saturday at 2 PM.  Pumpkins will be donated by the nearby Tupelo Buffalo Park.   Cost is only ten dollars per person and Mae’s To Go Cup owner Matt Anderson says he is looking forward to a great fundraiser for a great cause.

‘We feel like it is important to give back and support the kids in our community, this place attracts kids, whether it is the coffee, drinks, or the atmosphere, but we can offer this for Lily and she can put on a fundraiser and we hope this a fundraiser we can do year after year,” Anderson said.

Matt’s daughter Macy,  who helps out behind the counter, says she knows how she would paint her pumpkin.

‘I love Jack and Sally, the skeleton movie,” Macy said.

Any idea what design pumpkin you will do?

“There’s too many, I will have to Google it,” said Lily.

The drive through at Mae’s To Go Cup will be closed during the fundraiser.  Tables will be set up for the event.   All you need to do is show up, with ten dollars. Pumpkins,  paint and paint brushes will be provided, and all proceeds go to St Jude to help kids like Lily and her family.

Once again,  the Pumpkin Painting Party is Saturday from 2 until 4 at Mae’s To Go Cup at Coley and West Jackson in Tupelo.