West Plains Raises Record $33,873 for Cancer Patients

West Plains, Missouri just proved that small towns can make a big difference when it comes to supporting neighbors facing cancer.

The community's annual Pink Out Night shattered all previous records, raising $33,873.87 for the Ozarks Healthcare Cancer Treatment Center. It's the highest total in the event's 13-year history, and organizers say it shows just how deeply the community cares about local cancer care.

West Plains Bank and Trust Company led the charge as the headlining sponsor. They were joined by dozens of supporting sponsors, Zizzer fans filling the stands, and community members who showed up ready to give.

Every dollar raised goes directly to patients and families receiving treatment at the local cancer center. That means rides to chemotherapy appointments, help with medical bills, and support services that make an impossible time just a little easier.

The Ripple Effect

What started as a single fundraising night 13 years ago has grown into a community tradition that's raised hundreds of thousands of dollars. Each year the total climbs higher, which means more local families get the help they need without traveling hours away or facing financial hardship alone.

The record-breaking night sends a clear message: when cancer touches one person in West Plains, the whole community responds. Organizations that track rural healthcare access point to events like this as vital lifelines, especially in areas where specialized medical care requires long drives and major expenses.

The growth of Pink Out Night also reflects something bigger happening in small-town America. Communities are finding creative ways to support each other, turning sports events and local gatherings into powerful fundraising opportunities that keep essential services close to home.

For the patients walking into the Ozarks Healthcare Cancer Treatment Center this year, that $33,873.87 means more than just financial support. It means their neighbors see them, care about them, and are willing to show up in pink and open their wallets to prove it.

The West Plains community is already looking ahead to next year, ready to break their own record again.