Sawmill Camping Resort (21710 US Hwy 98, Dade City) is hosting a fun weekend, which will raise money to help find a cure for the most prevalent cancer in young males. The “C*ck in a Sock” weekend and its various events hopes to raise $2,500 for the Testicular Cancer Foundation (popularly known as “Single Jingles,” the same moniker given to the foundation’s CEO, who is a testicular cancer survivor himself).
The weekend will start on Thursday, May 8 with their traditional “bare as you dare” evening. On Friday, May 9, the Backwoods Bears are hosting a special round of their weekly charity bingo, specifically benefiting Single Jingles. On Saturday afternoon, May 10, the Sawmill staff and various volunteers will be washing cars, with all tips going to Single Jingles. At 10 p.m., the “C*ck in a Sock Contest” starts; the winner of the contest is determined by how many tips he can raise from the other guests. The tips and an extra $500 go to Single Jingles while another $500 goes to the winner. (Perhaps he’ll donate some of his winnings too!)
I got a chance to speak with Sawmill Promotions Coordinator Justin Pamplin about this event and Sawmill’s most recent birthday in this exclusive Hotspots interview.
Who came up with the idea for this fundraiser? How did you all become aware of the Testicular Cancer Foundation?
At Sawmill we are always eager to raise money for charities that affect our members and our 
overall community. One day, while scrolling through my Instagram news feed, I noticed a ton of naked guys with socks [over their private parts]! This immediately caught my attention! Much to my surprise, I found out there was this whole movement to raise awareness for testicular cancer. Instantly, I knew Sawmill had to join this movement. So the idea of creating a fun weekend to raise money for charity began.
Testicular cancer is the leading cancer in men ages 15 to 35, so that’s the bad news; however, the good news is that it is one of the most treatable and survivable types of cancer. When detected early, 99% of guys diagnosed with testicular cancer survive it, and go on to lead normal, active lives.
After searching the web for testicular cancer charities, I [found] a great organization that actually focuses on educating young men about this terrible disease through campus visits, shower cards and other great outreach programs…this organization was perfect! Once the word got out, tons of Sawmill members started to chip in! One of the groups associated with Sawmill, the Backwoods Bears, have been raising money all April to donate to Single Jingles. Plus, on the weekend of May 10, we plan on raising some serious money!
Have you had anyone thank you for having this fundraiser because testicular cancer has impacted them personally?
I have received quite a few e-mails from members who have personally dealt with, or have close friends who have battled, this disease. Their stories and kind words have moved us to host a testicular cancer fundraiser every May.
Recently Sawmill celebrated its 16th anniversary. What kinds of fun events should we expect coming up this year?
The events will be bigger and will have more variety in 2014! This summer we have some great events scheduled, from celebrity headliners, to Olympic-style races, to our famous foam parties, to one of the biggest 4th of July parties in our history, and even more nighttime pool parties!
Say a few of our readers haven’t visited Sawmill in a while. What would you say to get people to come back?
As with any business, you will have growing pains, and we are excited to say that we have made it through! Sawmill is seeing the biggest surge in attendance in years. The park has never looked more beautiful either.
From new roads to beautiful fencing to great cabin renovations, we are just getting started. Look forward to even more improvements coming in the next few weeks; we are truly redefining camping and making Sawmill a place for everyone! Whatever pre-conceived thoughts you have of Sawmill from years past, forget them! Sawmill has changed and is moving in a great direction.
