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Camille and JR cross the finish line at PanCAN PurpleStride Houston
Editor’s note: Chesmar Foundation joins PanCAN PurpleStride Houston as Premier Sponsor in 2025, marking their first year of support.
JR presents Don with a custom-made guitar as a thank you for everything he’s done.
The inspiration for Don Klein, founder of the Chesmar Foundation, to support PanCAN PurpleStride as Premier Sponsor for PurpleStride Houston?
It was personal.
His long-time employees and friends Camille and JR White have been doubly impacted by pancreatic cancer. JR was diagnosed in 2021 and was featured in PanCAN’s Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month in 2023 and 2024. Camille also lost her father to the disease.
“I know I couldn’t have made it through the last few years following JR’s diagnosis had it not been for the many things I learned from Don,” Camille says. “I am a better person thanks to Don, his guidance and the inspiration he gave me to help others, which I’m proud to say has led me to my involvement with PanCAN!”
Don was the founder and CEO of Chesmar Homes and is known for his philanthropic work. He formed Chesmar Foundation in 2014 with the initial mission of awarding scholarships to children of his employees. Since then, the mission has expanded to include support for a long list of local and national organizations, including the Lone Star College Foundation and other local college foundations, YMCA, Alzheimer’s Association and many, many others – including PanCAN.
Camille and Don at the first Clay Shoot PurpleStride Team Fundraiser, which Chesmar Foundation also sponsored.
“I personally feel a strong commitment to support people who have supported me over the years. I’ve worked with Camille and JR for a long time and the relationship has been very rewarding,” Don says. “It’s an honor to support them through JR’s journey through the treatment of his pancreatic cancer. JR has been a model of courage and commitment for me, as well as others.”
Camille serves as PurpleStride Co-Chair for the Houston Affiliate and has worked with Don since 2012 – and is thrilled to welcome him to PurpleStride Houston.
“Don is a big believer in giving back,” Camille says. “Each year, there would be numerous events where entire offices would spend their workdays volunteering around the community – and Don was right alongside us. I believe his reward is knowing he made a real difference in people’s lives.
