Staff, inmates raise $22,000 for cancer research
Story by Lieutenant Martin Herrera
On May 11, Wasco State Prison-Reception Center participated and was awarded first place for funds raised and first place for car entry at the City of Wasco and Shafter Annual Relay for Life event.
Under the direction of Warden John Sutton, staff and inmates were able to raise $22,347 for the American Cancer Society.
Fun was had by all at the event, sharing stories, listening to music, eating various foods, playing games and walking the track in support of cancer patients still fighting their battle.
Funds totaling $15,617 were raised through various activities by prison staff. Such activities included food sales, opportunity drawing baskets, sale of handmade items and a golf tournament.
Inmates were able to raise $6,730 through two food sales and their third Annual Relay for Life event held in October by Facility A’s general population.
Warden Sutton said, “I share in the commitment and dedication of our staff and inmates in the battle against this disease, our institution proudly supports the community in this fight.”
Staff raises $1,200 for crime victims
By Lieutenant Rudy Diaz
On a windy Tuesday morning in April, fifty-one staff members from Wasco State Prison-Reception Center took part in this year’s Walk-A-Thon to honor crime victims and survivors in observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.
The event started mid-morning with some walkers raising funds through a flat donation rate or for every lap they walked. The wind did not deter anyone. Friends and co-workers alike came prepared to walk the course that was about a third of a mile loop.
Staff enjoyed themselves in their attempt to raise awareness and funds for crime victims. Each participant received a ribbon pin consisting of this year’s colors: blue, gold, and orange. Also on hand for each participant were granola bars, water and snow-cones as an incentive for their commitment to this year’s theme “Honoring Our Past. Creating Hope for the Future.”
Through their efforts, prison staff raised a total of $1,225.