Clapprood, who raised $29,350.22, was thrilled when her name was announced.

In an impromptu speech, she told the night’s attendees that she was honored to have her boys there with her to witness the moment and celebrate her accomplishment.

“I was first motivated to raise money in memory of my uncle, who passed from the disease, it wasn’t an easy feat,” she said. “I decided early in my campaign to take my own advice and change my mindset with a mission within my mission …I wanted to show my boys that you don’t need a reason to do something good. Just do good for good.”

A total of nine people – six women and three men – participated in the philanthropic 2019 LLS Man and Woman of the Year event and raised a combined total of $240,000.

Channel 10 news reporter and Toll Gate High School graduate Lindsay Iadeluca, who lives in Warwick, won Women of the Year honors by raising more than $54,000 during her 10-week campaign.

LLS Man of the Year honors went to Ken Menna, who raised over $29,000. Jason Ferri was runner-up for the men.

Clapprood held more than 10 fundraising events, including what she credits as her big event – a “Kiss Cancer Good ‘Buy’” charity date auction that was hosted at Skyline at Waterplace. Rhode Island’s Mary Halsey, who appeared on “The Ellen Show,” was the night’s celebrity auctioneer.

“I am is still in awe from that event and the generosity of owner Michael Mota and the venue’s operations and event director, Scott Connery,” Clapprood said. “I cried halfway through the evening and couldn’t believe how beautiful the night was, from the venue to the food. To the amazing souls that donated their time and money for the cause – we raised over $12,000 that night, and I will forever be grateful.”