The 14th Annual James A. Ragan Triumph Scramble, VIP Night and 14th Annual TOGA!

Back Together and Making a Difference!

The May tradition of spending a day on the links, dressing up like a Greek god to dance the night away and raising money for pediatric cancer research returned in a big way!  After the pandemic canceled 2020’s trifecta of events, 2021 made up for that missed year. Plus, what would have been James’ 28th birthday was celebrated by carrying on the incredible legacy he created along with his sister to Triumph Over Kid Cancer!

This year, golfers enthusiastically returned to one of the places where James felt his best. Dozens of teams turned out to tee it up at the Corpus Christi Country Club on Friday, May 7th to remember James, create new memories and add to the growing swell of money raised by TOKC to fight kids’ cancer through research. Although our big supporter, Golf Pro Scottie Scheffler, had to miss this year’s 14th Annual James A. Ragan Triumph Scramble, Mitchell Meissner came in his place. We appreciate all the players, the volunteers and sponsors who made it such a success!

As the sun began to set on that beautiful day, supporters, family, James’ wingmen and donors gathered at the beautiful estate of TOKC board member Catherine Hilliard and her husband Bob. TOKC co-founder, Dr. Mecklin Ragan, inspired the group by reciting some of her brother’s brave words in a speech thanking everyone for their dedication to improving the lives of children with cancer.

The VIP party was also the backdrop for a pair of large check presentations. The Triumph Over Kid Cancer Foundation donated $300,000 to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and another $300,000 to Texas Children’s Hospital. The donations fuel important pediatric cancer research projects that have the potential to create major breakthroughs. The best part is the donations are matched dollar-for-dollar!  Only four percent of federal research funding goes to pediatric cancer research. That fact motivated James in the beginning and motivates us today!

The third event of our special weekend was the Toga Party on Saturday, May 8th. The Toga Party is an idea James had for his first birthday after his diagnosis. Not wanting any gifts, he hosted a toga party and asked friends to dress up in togas and donate a $50 admission fee. The first year, he raised $40,000! Each year since that time, it has grown, into what is now the James A. Ragan Triumph Scramble, Toga Party and TOKC. 

James’ mission of improving the lives of children with cancer by raising their spirits, raising the public’s awareness and funding research has raised more than $3 million dollars. The 2021 May events move our goal of finding a cure for pediatric cancers one step closer.