Citizens of the Year 2018

Citizens of the Year 2018 – Mark and Kelli Dunn

Mark and Kelli Dunn started the “Dunn with Cancer” event in their backyard in 2007 with a personal mission to raise money and awareness for those who have struggled and lost the battle with cancer, and for those who continue to fight. It is without a doubt that their compassion for raising money for the American Cancer Society is rooted in their love for people and for their community.

Through the support of his company, Threaded Fasteners, and her JWRE realty position, Mark and Kelli have successfully been able to, not only raise much needed funds for cancer research, but they have also raised awareness of this horrible disease. The backyard event became so large that, in 2011, the event had to be moved to the Tillman’s Corner Community Center. This crawfish boil is unlike any other in our community. It is a day of building friendships, spending time with family and simply enjoying the outside. The Dunn family and friends cook the absolute best
crawfish around. In addition to the crawfish boil, you can also compete in the annual “Dunn with Cancer” Golf Tournament and purchase the annual “Dunn with Cancer” T-shirt collection.

In May 2018, as they finished their 11th year of the “Dunn with Cancer” event, they were able to donate over $32,000 to the American Cancer Society. That speaks volumes to how our community has come together with their leadership. The Dunn family is supported tremendously by many of our local companies and most of the volunteers
are from the Tillman’s Corner and Theodore areas.

Their passion for this event and their determination in finding a cure for cancer is a true tribute to their family and friends who have died from cancer, and those who are continuing the battle. They represent epitome of a silent heroes.

Mark and Kelli have spent many years making this event what it is today. The time and effort they spend in promoting, planning and emphasizing the importance of this cause is relentless. As soon as it is over they take a breather and start planning for the next year. Our community is proud to have Mark and Kelli Dunn as the 2018
SWMCC Citizens of the Year!