Kids Beating Cancer

When Leslie Skillman moved to The Villages, she brought with her a passion for Kids Beating Cancer, an organization she had supported for years. As a board member of the Orlando organization, she knew firsthand the difference it makes for children and families facing cancer.

She also knew The Villages community would understand the mission.

In March 2023, Leslie invited about 18 women to her home to learn more about Kids Beating Cancer. By the end of that first meeting, the group was ready to form a chapter. After about a year of planning, the chapter held its inaugural fundraiser in November 2024.

The cruise-themed luncheon, fashion show and auction at Savannah Center drew about 450 people and raised an astonishing $145,000.

“We were trying to figure out what would be the best way to bring in our villagers,” Leslie says. “We knew that quite a few of them love to cruise.”

The chapter continued to grow. Its next dinner dance, featuring popular local band Relic, raised about $80,000. Then, in January 2026, the group returned to a fashion-show format at Brownwood, welcoming more than 500 guests for a Western-themed luncheon featuring the Silver Rockets, local shopping, auctions and a wine pull. The event raised approximately $305,000.

That means the young chapter has already raised about $530,000 through its first three fundraisers.

But for Leslie, the numbers only tell part of the story.

Kids Beating Cancer provides support to families during some of their most difficult moments, including meals, hospital-room decorations and special events for children who may be unable to participate in activities with their siblings. Volunteers also attend holiday and seasonal parties for pediatric cancer patients.

“To know that what you’re doing is making a difference, even if it’s for one child or one family, is the most wonderful feeling,” Leslie says, adding that for her and her volunteers, each event is more than an evening of food, fashion or fun. It is another opportunity to turn the generosity of The Villages into meaningful support for children and families facing cancer.

The chapter’s next fundraiser, “Miracles in Mardi Gras,” is scheduled for Feb. 23, 2027, at Brownwood Hotel & Spa. Men will once again be invited and an exciting program featuring dueling pianos will serve as the evening’s main entertainment.