CLS Surpasses $500K Raised for the American Cancer Society

Through the combined efforts of Continental Linen Services’ (CLS) team members, customers, suppliers and industry partners, more than $517,500 has been raised for the American Cancer Society over the past 11 years, the company noted in a news release.

Cancer touches nearly everyone in some way, whether through a personal diagnosis or the experience of supporting a family member, friend or co-worker. The American Cancer Society helps meet those challenges by funding lifesaving research and providing resources, guidance, and support to patients and families.

For CLS, the mission also is personal. Founder Ted Vander Meer passed away from cancer, and during his illness, the American Cancer Society provided support and guidance to his family. In his memory, CLS created the annual Ted Vander Meer Memorial Golf Classic, bringing together customers, suppliers, and industry partners around a shared cause.

Over the past decade, the event has become a powerful example of what long-standing relationships can accomplish when people come together to give back. This year’s golf outing was held on Aug. 3.

While the annual golf classic brings together customers and industry partners, fundraising also happens throughout CLS branches. Through internal Picnics with a Purpose, which were held throughout July, management grills lunch for team members while each branch raises money for the American Cancer Society. Team members purchase chances to dump buckets of slime on managers, send leaders into dunk tanks and participate in friendly fundraising challenges.

From route sales representatives and production teams to office staff, team members across CLS play a direct role in supporting the cause. In 2026 alone, the combined efforts of the Ted Vander Meer Memorial Golf Classic and Picnics with a Purpose raised approximately $88,000.

CLS closed by thanking those that have supported these fundraising efforts, “Reaching the half-million-dollar milestone is something CLS shares with everyone who has supported the effort along the way. It represents more than a decade of generosity from team members, customers, vendor partners, volunteers and friends who continue to contribute year after year. For CLS, staying true to its roots means more than providing dependable service. It means investing in relationships, supporting the communities it serves and helping advance the lifesaving mission of the American Cancer Society.”