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, fewer people 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 also with our children’s and grandchildren’s health,” says Jeff. “We are called to love our neighbor, and Gregg and I take that seriously.” In addition to 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.”
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. He is so inspiring that the entire company has embraced his vision and made it their own,” says Kristin Connor, CEO of CURE. 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 Roswell Family
Roswell’s Matt and Kelly Gilley experienced the childhood cancer journey with their son Jason, a college athlete, who was diagnosed with stage 3 testicular cancer at age 19. After his orchiectomy, he started chemo. While the treatments were tough on Jason physically and mentally, the family commends the incredible care team at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and CURE. “CURE met us within the first hour of our first day and gave us thorough packets of information and boxed lunches,” said Matt Gilley. “We saw throughout Jason’s nine weeks of chemo how amazing CURE was, especially for families from out of town and others that needed resources.”
The Gilleys vowed to give back and get involved with CURE when Jason finished treatment. The family, including siblings Tyler and Anna and his dog Beignet, are all thrilled that Jason is in remission and back at school playing ball again.
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. 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 to staying grounded in 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.
CURE’s Believe Ball 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.