About Us

The Tailgate for Cancer, St Marys, Oh originated with a few individuals who wanted to make a difference and to lend a helping hand however they could to relatives, friends, and community members who were affected with cancer. Almost all of the St Mary's Tailgate for Cancer Committee Members have personally been affected by cancer in one form or another. They want to make a difference and help in a way that was impactful to their friends and community. 

The concept of the first year's event was to have a backyard party to raise money to help those afflicted with the disease. The enthusiastic group of individuals created a buzz in the community and soon the backyard party became a tailgate party. The concept grew bigger, the buzz grew louder, and the ideas became a clamor with more people than the just the initial group wanting to participate. With larger ideas, soon became the need for a grander venue. The committee members ask the Saint Mary's Eagles if they could use their parking lot for the tailgate party. The Saint Mary's Eagles Lodge overwhelmingly agreed and the St. Mary's Tailgate for Cancer was on their way to making a difference on a much larger scale! 

Since its inception in 2009, the committee members have raised over $1,782,290 to help cancer research and end this terrible disease. The event always takes place in the fall and is held in either September or October during an Ohio State football game. The day starts out with a 5K Run/Walk and then the festivities begin afterwards. There are live auctions, silent auctions, 50/50, live entertainment, Ohio State cheerleaders and the OSU game on the big screen! Then at the end of the day, there's always a drawing for two Buckeye cruise for cancer tickets. There's always something for everyone of all ages! As Traci Lauth the President and founder always attests, "Together we will win!", and we certainly do with the amazing community that we have, no one is ever alone in their battle to conquer cancer!

THE ST.MARYS TAILGATE COMMITTEE MEMBERS