Today we’d like to introduce you to Marquitta Rucker.
Marquitta, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Seven years ago, I buried my best friend, who passed from multiple myeloma cancer. It was a pain and hurt I had never experienced. However, I knew that I had a responsibility to make sure her legacy lived on. From that pain, S.W.A.T Foundation Inc. was birthed. (Servants With A Testimony) S.W.A.T begin serving in the community in 2016 just as an extension of my mother’s Cassandra Ann Ruckers’ work in the community. We officially became incorporated in 2018, and we are a 501c3. SWAT’s mission is to serve those in the community impacted by cancer.
To do this, SWAT hosts an annual family fun health fair. These health fairs include health screenings, free mammogram vouchers, free colon cancer kits, access to health care programs in their local communities, free food and fun activities for the families that attend. These events are well attended and to date, we have served over 1,000 families.
SWAT also hosts several back to school, and repack the backpack events each year due to the founder’s educational background. To date, we have served at least 8,000 families between the CSRA and Elberton GA. SWAT also hosts an annual PINK RIBBON event. At the event cancer, survivors and their caretakers are honored. At this event, they are fed a catered meal, free pictures, pampered with a massage and facial. They also receive some very nice goodies. We have served at least 70 survivors and their caretakers. SWAT Looks forward to serving a community near you!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, the road has not been smooth. The struggles I’ve faced is storage for donations. Sometimes the donations take over your living space. Funding for small nonprofits is also an issue. I also had to pay out of pocket to have 501c3 status. A lot of things are paid for personally when I don’t have the funds. I also think competition with other agencies is an ongoing issue and this year, and Covid-19.
Please tell us about SWAT Foundation.
SWAT Foundation serves those impacted by cancer. We are known for our annual health fairs, Back To School Drive and Our annual Pink Ribbon Event.
As a company, I am proud of the amount of people that we have served. Serving the community is my passion. In my opinion, SWAT was birthed out of pain but I definitely operate out of love. Our values are based on Christian beliefs my parents have instilled in me. We’re all about serving and doing the will of the Father. That’s what makes SWAT Foundation Unique.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Keeping GOD, first is the key to our success and perseverance. I would also say building quality relationships with sponsors has contributed to our success.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 7068406596
- Email: swatfoundationinc@gmail.com
- Facebook: SWAT Foundation
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