The Clarence & Mary Lee Howard Foundation, an IRS-registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Yazoo City, is proud to announce the second annual Walk for Ben, scheduled for Saturday, September 5, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Wardell Leach Recreation Complex in Yazoo City.
Following the success of its inaugural event in September 2025, which raised over $10,000 for pancreatic cancer research, the Foundation is excited to build on that momentum with an even greater impact in 2026. The Walk for Ben, held during Labor Day weekend, honors the life and legacy of Yazoo City native and military veteran Benjamin Felder, who passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2024.
Clemetine Howard-Hutchinson, Executive Director of The Clarence & Mary Lee Howard Foundation, shared the following statement:
“On behalf of our Board of Directors and our family, we are humbled, thankful and grateful for the overwhelming support we received from our sponsors and the Yazoo City community last year. Because of that support, our first Walk for Ben raised over $10,000 for Project Purple, helping fund pancreatic cancer research and patient support services for individuals undergoing treatment for this devastating disease.
We are especially excited that, in addition to continuing our support for pancreatic cancer research, this year’s event will also benefit the University of Mississippi Medical Center’s Children’s Hospital of Mississippi, which is the state’s only full-service pediatric hospital, serving children from all 82 counties.
We invite the entire community to join us on Saturday, September 5, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Wardell Leach Recreation Complex. This year’s event will feature free health screenings, as well as a variety of food vendors offering delicious options for purchase after the walk. It will be a fun-filled day for a meaningful cause, and we look forward to seeing everyone there.”
About The Clarence & Mary Lee Howard Foundation
The Clarence & Mary Lee Howard Foundation is committed to transforming the lives of underserved communities throughout the Mississippi Delta. Guided by its motto, “Giving back to give hope!”, the Foundation’s mission is to impact lives “one child and one family” at a time by delivering meaningful programs and services. Through partnerships with public and private organizations, the Foundation works to build stronger, healthier communities.
About The Walk for Ben
The Walk for Ben honors the life of Benjamin Felder, a beloved Yazoo City native and proud son of the late Clarence and Mary Lee Howard. A 1978 graduate of Yazoo City High School, Ben served his country honorably as a United States Army veteran and went on to build a successful career as a technician and business owner in the telecommunications and construction industries. He was also a founding member of the Foundation’s Board of Directors. Ben passed away on February 26, 2024, surrounded by loved ones after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
