
Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers. It's also the most preventable.
Dozens of people gathered at the Arrowhead Country Club in Rapid City Thursday to raise awareness and money to help protect kids from harmful ultra–violet rays.
For the 6th year, the Made For Shade foundation has been using the money it raises from its fundraiser to provide shaded areas for children to play at school.
Founder and dermatologist Dr. Lycia Scott says it's important for families to talk about sun safety and skin protection.
"Eighty-percent of our sun damage occurs before the age of 18," Dr. Scott said. "So if we can increase awareness in this group of individuals we hope to decrease sun cancer."
The Made For Shade foundation raised more than $16,000 in 2011.
Grant money will be awarded to South West and West Middle Schools for a large awning for a sporting event; Saint Thomas More Middle School; for an outdoor courtyard shaded structure; Terra Sancta Elementary School for a playground with a shaded structure; and Terra Sancta Elementary Pre-school for trees.