Nearly $200K Raised For Local Children's Cancer Treatment

A Georgetown charity event raised almost $200,000 for local children battling cancer, said an event release. 

The Georgetown Jingle, held at the Four Seasons Hotel on Dec. 15, benefitted Medstar Georgetown University Hospital's pediatric oncology programs. The $200,000 came from more than 1,000 tickets, a raffle drawing and the auctioning of toys, memorabilia and designer Christmas trees.

"This charitable event helps spotlight childhood cancer, the leading cause of death among U.S. children between infancy and age 15," the release said. 

For eight years, local designers have been donating themed Christmas trees and other decorative holiday items to the event. They are sold for thousands of dollars and make up a large portion of the money raised for the cancer programs, said event representative Colette Krahenbuhl. 
 
And right now, there are still several trees for sale, Krahenbuhl said. 

The event has raised more than $1.5 million dollars since it began, the release said.

Last year, money raised went toward establishing a pediatric bone marrow transplant unit, creating unique patient rooms, and assisting the Childhood Cancer Survivorship Program, which provides follow-up care for children treated at the hospital, the release said. 

This year's $200,000 will go toward supporting the Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant Unit and incorporating social workers and educators in giving children a higher quality of life throughout their illnesses. 

To make a donation toward pediatric cancer treatment at Medstar Georgetown University Hospital or contact the organization, visit www.georgetownjingle.com.