Couple Replace Wedding Gifts With Donations to Cancer Research
Bill and Karlie Becker tied the knot in November 2024. Instead of having a gift registry, the happy couple asked their guests to donate to a cause close to their hearts: cancer care and research.
As one of the owners of Hooters Management Corporation of South Florida, Bill shared a close relationship with early Hooters backer David “Lags” Lageschulte, who battled an aggressive form of prostate cancer. Before he passed away in 2014, Lageschulte had been passionate about increasing prostate cancer awareness. As an avid donor to Moffitt Cancer Center, his goal was to contribute to research initiatives that would lead to lifesaving treatments and improve cancer care overall.
The Beckers plan to continue giving back and encouraging people to get their cancer screenings.
Prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in men, behind lung cancer. About 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.
“One thing that Lags told me early on when he was first diagnosed is that it’s so important to get tested regularly,” Bill remembered. “He really inspired all of us as a company to encourage our staff and those in the community to prioritize their health.”
Another member of the Hooters team who inspired the couple is Kelly Jo Dowd, who worked as a manager in the Tampa Bay area. After her breast cancer diagnosis, Dowd was dedicated to educating the community about the disease. She died of breast cancer in 2007 at age 42.
The Beckers’ wedding funds — totaling more than $15,000 — will be used to benefit breast cancer research. Moffitt treats more than 3,000 breast cancer patients every year. Second to skin cancer, it’s the most common cancer found in women.
Overall, Hooters Management Corporation has raised over $1.4 million to support Moffitt’s breast cancer research efforts and other initiatives. Among other fundraisers, Hooters conducts an annual October breast cancer campaign and a bike ride from Orlando to Tampa in honor of Lageschulte. Hooters co-founder Ed Droste is a past chair of the Moffitt Foundation Board and is a generous supporter of the cancer center along with his wife, Marsha.
“Our company wanted to support advancements in cancer research after everything Kelly Jo and Lags went through,” Bill said. “Although they initially inspired us to get involved with Moffitt, many others in our lives have been impacted by cancer throughout the years as well.”
The Beckers plan to continue giving back as a couple in any way they can, while also sharing an important message. “Listen to your body and get tested, get screened regularly as needed, and try to stay on top of your health so if something is found, it can be treated early,” Bill said.
