Scotty raises money and spirits for breast cancer awareness
Scotty Schadler, S&B instrument and electrical designer, turns on the closet light and scans his collection of bright-colored shirts. He’s used to seeing the bold patterns, but over the years the color pink has slowly taken over. When you have a passion for a cause, why not show your support every day? And that’s what Scotty does. For the entire month of October, Scotty arrives to the S&B Lake Charles office in pink to bring awareness and support for the American Cancer Society’s mission to save more lives from breast cancer.
Starting with a race
When Scotty joined S&B in 2014, the company wasn’t well known in Lake Charles. As a way to get the S&B name out in the area, Scotty and other employees participated in the local Relay for Life event to support the American Cancer Society (ACS).
“Relay for Life is a fundraiser where people walk from 6:00 p.m. to midnight, and teams set up alongside the track,” said Scotty “At the S&B table, we sold boudin burgers and lemonade throughout the night. In doing that, it really helped clients, customers, and the community become more familiar with who we are and what we do at S&B.”
Being crowned Mr. Relay
Scotty has also added dresses to his wardrobe as his involvement with ACS has increased. During the Relay for Life races, there are several contests to compete in including “Mr. Relay.” “Basically, ACS was looking for the guy who would show up wearing a dress and wig,” said Scotty. “It was a beauty contest and whoever raised the most money won.”
Scotty has no problem going above and beyond for a good cause. “I was out in the crowd cheering people on who were participating in the race,” said Scotty. “You can’t necessarily ignore a tall, bearded man in a dress.” And Scotty was right. In his first time competing, Scotty was crowned 2016 Mr. Relay by ACS.
Bringing the sparkle and energy for a good cause
It took no time at all before ACS noticed Scotty’s energy and evening gowns. In 2016, Scotty was asked to be a part of Men Wear Pink of Southwest Louisiana.
In a particular Men Wear Pink competition, Scotty walked out onstage as Elsa from the Disney movie, Frozen. He was wearing a sparkly blue dress, long braided wig, and lipstick while leaving his beard untouched. To complete his performance, Scotty threw handfuls of glitter as snow. Scotty brings the same sparkle and energy to every event.
Since Scotty has been a member of Men Wear Pink, he visits hospitals, participates in fundraisers, and attends numerous breast cancer awareness events to help raise money. He recently travelled to the ACS Hope Lodge in Houston.
Deep connection
Scotty has always had a passion for breast cancer awareness because of his deep, personal connection with the disease. When he was 5 years old, his mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. “Being a small child, I saw firsthand what this disease can do to a person,” said Scotty. “When our group visits hospitals, I can easily imagine my mom as one of the patients after watching her go through multiple rounds of chemotherapy.”
Scotty shared that his mom battled cancer for 2 years when he was a child and has been cancer free for 36 years.
Merry-go-round of life
It’s perfectly fitting that Scotty views life as a merry-go-round. The fun, whimsical music reflects his personality and the bright colors and vibrant patterns of the animals can be found on the clothes in his closet.
“My philosophy is we only get one ride on the merry-go-round of life,” said Scotty. “It’s up to you to find that thing you are good at to make the world a better place.” And Scotty has found how he can make a difference—putting smiles on people’s faces.
“I’m willing to do anything to make someone laugh or smile,” said Scotty. “I know when I put on my gown and wig, I’m raising money for people fighting cancer and for research to find a cure. I can’t think of a better reason for a big, burly guy to put on a dress. Can you?”
