News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Although the annual Pink Gala is cancelled this year, you can still help women across the Upper Cumberland who need a mammogram.
Cookeville Regional Charitable Foundation is offering an online Pink Auction through July to raise funds for the Pink Ribbon Free Mammogram Program. Director John Bell said he expects a third of what the foundation would normally raise during the Pink Gala.
“Thankfully we’ve had generous sponsorship again, and over the past few years we’ve built up a little reserve fund,” Bell said. “We are very nervous that we’re going to eat through most of that reserve fund this year. We may have to restrict access to those mammograms for the first time in over ten years.”
Items up for bid include a canister set from the Appalachian Center for Crafts, hand blown glass vases, and a signed guitar by Shania Twain. Bell said all the money raised will go straight to the Pink Ribbon Free Mammogram Program.
Bell said the Pink Gala typically raises $40,000 in donations every year, giving over 400 women free mammograms. Every $100 raised provides one free mammogram for any Upper Cumberland woman in need.
“We have hundreds of folks that support us by attending the gala each year, and any others that support us directly by donating to that specific program,” Bell said. “We’re asking folks in the community to please give, help us continue the free mammogram program without interruption and without cutting back on restricting qualifications to access it.”
The Charity Foundation is still planning on hosting their cycling event “Ride to the Sky” in September and some golfing events later this year.
To participate in the auction, go to their Facebook page. The deadline for bids is July 31.
