It’s a Thursday night in February 2019 at the newly relocated Frisco Bar, and the place is packed. The tiny stage is set, and the crowd is about to erupt in karaoke euphoria.
Jason Taylor comes on the mic to greet everyone, he’s the president of the Frisco-based software company Code Authority.
He tells us this is not a regular karaoke night – it’s a fundraiser for a nonprofit called Mankind, specifically “Coach” Kevin Paul, one of the men going through a battle with non-Hodgkins lymphoma. The crowd includes friends, relatives, and people Kevin has coached in his career.
Jason’s personality is larger than life, so he has no issues breaking the ice and getting the night started with a rocking tune. Many others follow, prizes are raffled off and we even see an Elvis impersonator.
Everyone goes home with a smile on their face, and Mankind makes life easier for yet another North Texas man. Coach Paul will later say it was one of the best nights of his life.
He shared, “Having the support available to pick me up, it’s very powerful. I know I’ll be able to keep moving forward.”
Fast-forward a few months and a few high-level chemotherapy treatments as well as fifteen radiation treatments, “Coach” became cancer-free in June 2019. He’s still in remission, receiving biotherapy treatments every three months to make sure he stays that way.
Creating Awareness Around Men’s Issues
Jason Taylor founded Mankind along with Eric Becker in 2010 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization benefiting men facing a medical crisis. Their mission is simple – increase awareness of men’s health issues and provide aid for those who have been affected by medical emergencies.
This initiative is founded on the premise that no man should go without the care necessary to be free of the burdens brought on by various illnesses. Mankind grew into a community focused on providing men with the support and resources that are critical for them and their loved ones in order to significantly improve their quality of life.
Mankind is made up entirely of volunteer members committed to its mission of assisting men both by raising money and raising spirits of affected individuals. They host numerous charity events and fundraisers every year, from karaoke nights to golf tournaments, to financially ease the burden of men’s illnesses. Jason Taylor shared,
We understand how the lack of financial resources can impact a man’s ability and willingness to seek medical health care. When left untreated, significant health problems can arise, leaving men and their loved ones left to search for financial assistance upon receiving critical diagnoses.
The year 2019 was the year of growth for Mankind and its programs; they assisted 19 men whose lives were changed by critical medical diagnoses. Over $21,000 was offered to men in the North Texas area facing cancer and other debilitating diseases.
They also established strong connections with Choice Cancer Care and The Samaritan Inn, whose counseling staff prequalified individuals who needed Mankind’s help.
In 2020, their plan is to ease the financial strain medical emergencies place on men in North Texas by assisting more people and families than ever before.
To that end, they already have a date for Mankind’s 10th Annual Golf Scramble Classic – it’ll be held at The Tribute Golf Links on Friday, April 3, 2020, from 11 am to 6 pm. for purchase now.
Attendees can support Mankind by playing golf, as well as networking with cancer survivors, Mankind supporters, and sponsors. Proceeds from the golf event will go directly to men who have both completed the application process on Mankind’s website and been approved by nonprofit’s board members.
And if you’re a karaoke expert, connect with Mankind on social media – they may have an event coming up near you soon.
