Smackdown Cancer Doubles its Impact with Walther Matching Program

Smackdown Cancer Doubles its Impact with Walther Matching Program

Smackdown Cancer is an annual community event in Kokomo fueling pediatric cancer research at Riley Children’s Health. The event, which brings together Indy Sprint Car drivers and fans, has raised more than $1 million in impact over the last 13 years at Riley Children’s Foundation.

Melinda Stanbrough was inspired to fundraise because of Riley kids close to her family and a kickball event from the Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation. She founded Smackdown Cancer as a fundraising kickball game with drivers and Riley kids. Her husband, Jon, is a Hall of Fame Sprint car driver.

Smackdown Cancer raised about $10,000 in 2013 during its first event. Since then, it has grown to a weekend-long event of activities and fundraising leading up to the Smackdown races. Melinda has also brought in a co-chair, Jessica Heffernan, who has helped organize the event to what it is today.

“It’s some of the best you could ever see come from people,” said Melinda. “It’s very overwhelming for me because people are so generous.”

For the past three years, Smackdown Cancer has doubled its fundraising impact through the Walther Cancer Foundation matching program. The 2026 event in August raised more than $175,000 before being doubled.

“These numbers are not what I ever thought we would raise in a weekend’s time,” said Melinda. “The racing family is amazing. I say we’re a small community. For the size and what we do, getting to the million-dollar mark is just beyond my expectations.”

Smackdown Cancer Live Auction and Kickball Classic

Melinda describes her emotions as “very high” the day of the live auction and Kickball Classic before the races. Fans donate to have the drivers dress up during the kickball game, ranging from ballgowns to costumes, before heading to the auction.

The highest-selling item at this year’s auction? An original piece of artwork from 9-year-old Riley kid Pharah Paul, who was diagnosed with kidney cancer when she was 3. Her art piece sold for $30,000. Last year, she had an art piece auctioned off for more than $20,000.

“It's hard not to get so emotional with people wanting to support something that you have a heart for,” said Melinda. “I explained to Pharah's parents when they were coming, ‘You're going to witness something you've never seen before. I just want you to be prepared because the love is so thick in the air there.’ You just feel it.”

Doubling Impact with Walther Cancer Foundation

The Walther Cancer Foundation matching program unlocked “a new level” of motivation for Smackdown Cancer attendees. Partnering with Riley Children’s Foundation, Melinda and Jessica established the Smackdown Cancer Endowment with a $100,000 commitment. Because the endowment is permanently invested, it will continue providing support for Riley children and families for generations to come. Through the Walther matching program, every dollar raised by Smackdown Cancer since the endowment was created has been matched, helping the fund grow even faster.

“Walther Cancer Foundation really took our event up five levels, having everything matched 100 percent,” said Melinda. “Before the endowment, our funds would be used and then be no more. Now our funds go in, grow, and never go away. There’s always going to be something there to support cancer research.”

Learn more about the Walther Matching program and how you can take advantage of this special opportunity.