Ways to support the Backus Breast Health Initiative
| Printable version | | |
Backus Hospital is making a significant investment in breast health, which includes adding the latest in digital mammography technology, improving the early detection and treatment of cancer and adding a new program to help guide women with abnormal mammograms through the healthcare system.
The Backus Foundation is committed to raising $1 million to support the Backus Breast Health Initiative. The hospital and its community partners have scheduled a number of fundraising events to benefit the cause. They include:
Pink Night at Dodd Stadium
The kick-off event will be Friday, May 9, with Pink Night at Dodd Stadium. The players will wear pink jerseys, which are auctioned off with proceeds going to the initiative. Connecticut Defenders General Manager Charlie Dowd said both fans and players enjoy the chance to support the cause. “You would think it would be tough to ask a bunch of big guys to put on pink jerseys, but they are very receptive to it and it is a very successful event for us,” he said. “It’s a great way to celebrate Mother’s Day.”
Breast cancer survivor Heather-Jo Purcell, who was part of the Survivors in Fashion show, will sing the National Anthem. Survivors will be honored on the field.
Core Plus has partnered once again with the Defenders in support of Backus to match home runs with pledges to support the Breast Cancer Survivors fund. Fireworks will end the night.
How you can help: Support the cause by attending the game, tickets are available at Dodd Stadium.
*Note: A local cancer survivor will throw out the first pitch. If you have a friend or loved one with cancer who wants to throw out the first pitch, please mail his or her name, address, and phone number and send it to The William W. Backus Hospital, 326 Washington Street, Norwich, 06360, attention: Ginny James, Corporate Communications. Or, e-mail the information to gjames@wwbh.org.
Buttonwood Farm
On Mother’s Day (May 11), Buttonwood Farm Ice Cream in Griswold will donate proceeds from all sundaes to the Backus Breast Cancer Survivors Fund. The ice cream stand, famous for its homemade ice cream, is located at the junction of routes 201 and 165 in Griswold.
How you can help: Come by and purchase a sweet treat to support a great cause.
Circles of Care
Support the Breast Health Initiative by purchasing a Circle of Care to honor or memorialize someone you know who has been affected by breast cancer. Each circle costs only $1, and 100% of the funds raised will be used to help patients in the community. This initiative starts in May. Circles will be available for purchase at a variety of locations, including the Hard Rock Café, Core Plus and Panera Bread.
How you can help: Purchase a Circle of Care.
Pink ribbon display
In May, the Backus Auxiliary Gift Shop will have a special pink ribbon display with jewelry and other items. The Auxiliary will donate 25% of the proceeds to the Breast Cancer Survivors Fund.
How you can help: Purchase a pink ribbon item from the Backus Hospital Auxiliary Gift Shop in May.
Backus Golf Tournament
The 27th Annual Backus Golf Tournament will be June 5 at Elmridge Golf Course in Pawcatuck. Proceeds will help support the Backus Breast Health Patient Navigator Program. This new program will serve as a comprehensive resource to guide women in the early detection and treatment of breast cancer, minimizing barriers and providing timely access to quality, compassionate care.
How you can help: Many sponsorship opportunities are available; some include foursomes. For more information, call Lee McLallen, Associate Director, Annual Giving, 823-6536.
Broadway Extravaganza
Louise Neistat, a former Radio City Music Hall Rockette, will perform in a Louise and Margo Neistat Production, “That’s Dancing, a Broadway Star Review,” on June 21 at the Garde Arts Center in New London. The 88-year-old tap teacher will host the Broadway-themed show with talented tappers and young singer Nicolas King of Westerly. Ms. Neistat has been donating proceeds from her shows to cancer related charities for almost 30 years, and she estimates it has amounted to $90,000.
How you can help: Tickets to the show are $20 and group discounts are available. Or put a special message in the program for only $25. For more information, call Pam Oddi at 912-4664.
Women’s golf tournament
The Norwich Women’s Golf Association will host a women’s-only golf tournament on July 9, starting at 8 a.m., at the Norwich Public Golf Course.
How you can help: The entry fee is $90 and sponsorships start at $25. Call the Backus Foundation at 823-6331 for more information.
Cancer-free birthday celebration
Happy Birthday, Pat Lewis — 43 and cancer free! Come help her celebrate at Tony D’s Restaurant, 92 Huntington St., New London, on April 20 from 2- 6 p.m.
How you can help: Tickets are only $20 and include music, food, raffles and fun. All proceeds benefit the Backus Breast Cancer Survivors Fund. For more information, contact Pat at Tony D’s at 443-9900 or 514-4417.
Perfectly Pink Pets
Bring your beloved pets — and children, too — for a unique photo opportunity to benefit the Backus Breast Cancer Survivors Fund. To be held on April 13 from 1-5 p.m., the $25 package includes a professional sitting, one 5 x 7 and two wallet photos. Additional photos available. Will make the perfect Mother’s Day (or Father’s Day) gift!
How you can help: Drop-ins welcome; reservations preferred. Call Leila and Libbies, located at 488 Main Street in Niantic, at 739-3344.