No other comic is more identifiable with Atlanta than Jeff Foxworthy. A respected mainstay in the comedy world, Jeff launched his career by winning the Great Southeastern Laugh-off at Atlanta’s Punchline Comedy Club in 1984. Since then, he has authored more than 26 books, hosted several successful game shows, and led the hugely successful Blue Collar Comedy tour.
Jeff’s brand of humor has made our lives brighter, and while he’s recognized across the country for his laughs, less realize he also has a big heart for service. This month, Jeff will serve as emcee for the CURE Childhood Cancer 10th annual Believe Ball. Jeff and his wife Gregg are longtime supporters of CURE.
“We have been blessed in our life, not only financially, but blessed with our children’s and grandchildren’s health,” says Jeff. “We are called to love our neighbor, and Gregg and I take that seriously.” Beyond CURE, Jeff and his wife support the Atlanta Mission, Plywood People, No Longer Bound, Hope Heals and the Westside rebuilding efforts.
“Supporting CURE -- their amazing contribution to research, and the care for the families during their cancer journey -- makes a difference. Most people don’t realize how little funding childhood cancer research receives. Gregg and I have been supporters and advocates since the early ‘90s when we worked with Duke Children’s Hospital and Camp Sunshine. We have met some great people along the way who are having an impact and making a difference.
Today Jeff and his wife Gregg have moved to a farm in Georgia to create more memories for their family. “The farm is beautiful. It’s my place to unplug from the world, and the only thing that makes me happier than sitting on a tractor is doing so with my grandson in my lap. Being on the farm has taught me a lot about being still.”
Jeff attributes his ability to balance his successful career with staying grounded to God, his family and his long-time friends. “I was a little boy from Hapeville who got very lucky.”
For CURE’s Believe Ball, Jeff says to expect a little bit of funny and a little bit of serious. He may also work in some balloon animal tricks.
Believe Ball Marks 10 Years of Giving on November 11
The brainchild of longtime CURE supporters Sylvia and Pat Tylka, the black-tie Believe Ball began in 2014. The 2023 event marks a decade of generosity and will exceed the incredible milestone of raising more than $10 million since its inception.
A highlight of the Believe Ball will be CURE’s presentation of the Ragab Spirit of Hope Award to Lendmark Financial Services and its CEO Bobby Aiken. Named for Dr. Abdel Ragab - Emory University’s first pediatric oncologist and CURE’s founder – the award is presented to individuals who exemplify the dedication, compassion and commitment to children with cancer that Dr. Ragab embodied.
“Bobby Aiken is the epitome of a servant leader,” says Kristin Connor, CEO of CURE. “He is so inspiring that the entire company has embraced his vision and made it their own.”
The Lendmark annual Climb to CURE campaign has grown from a one-day event to the company’s cornerstone philanthropic initiative. Through the Climb to CURE, Bobby and the Lendmark associates have raised more than $6.73 million through employee, partner and community fundraising efforts – including a $2 million donation raised in 2023 alone.
CURE Supports East Cobb Family
Atlanta radio and TV personality Jenn Hobby Rivera and her husband Grant Rivera has seen all sides of childhood cancer. At just 10 months old, their daughter Reese was diagnosed with Stage IV sacrococcygeal teratoma – a germ cell tumor -- in August 2016. Reese immediately began chemotherapy at Aflac Cancer Center at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta to shrink the tumor, and it was removed in November 2016. The family was blessed to hear “no residual signs of tumor” in January 2017, and Reese is now a happy, playful second grader and loves spending time with her older sister Lauren.
Jenn shares that CURE was there with support and compassion from day one. “From meals to information to support, CURE showed up for our family and we are forever grateful,” says Jenn.
”By providing meals in the hospital, CURE helped ease the stress of our situation. By giving so much support to childhood cancer research, CURE provided a path to healing. They are saving lives. We are so grateful to CURE in their work for families fighting this awful disease.”
Jenn and her family also created Reese’s Magic Fund to fund solid tumor research at both Aflac Cancer Center and MaGIC to develop new treatments.
A Simpler Life – Foxworthy on the Farm
Today Jeff and his wife Gregg have moved to a farm in Georgia to create more memories for their family. “The farm is beautiful. It’s my place to unplug from the world, and the only thing that makes me happier than sitting on a tractor is doing so with my grandson in my lap. Being on the farm has taught me a lot about being still.”
Jeff attributes his ability to balance his successful career with staying grounded to God, his family and his long-time friends. “I was a little boy from Hapeville who got very lucky.”
“Not only is Jeff a comedy genius and a constant advocate for children with cancer, but most people don’t know how much Jeff does for the community,” says Connor. “He gives of himself without fanfare. So while we love his comedy, we also love his character.”
With presenting sponsors Delta Air Lines and Novelis, donors, and other event sponsors - all funds raised at the Believe Ball will assist families in their battle with pediatric cancer and support critical research needed to improve outcomes for children with cancer. CURE is dedicated to saving the lives of the 20% of children for whom no effective treatments exist and advancing targeted treatments so children are cured without the toxicity of conventional chemotherapy and radiation.
For CURE’s Believe Ball, the night will be the perfect combination of inspiration, meaning and fun. Jeff says to expect a little bit of funny and a little bit of serious. He may also work in some balloon animal tricks.
curechildhoodcancer.org
jefffoxworthy.com