News Summary
The CHI Memorial Foundation’s 20th annual Pink! Gala raised over $1 million this year, benefiting the MaryEllen Locher Breast Center. Held at the Chattanooga Convention Center, the event attracted around 1,100 attendees. Funds will help acquire advanced mammography equipment, enhancing local access to breast cancer care.
Chattanooga’s Pink! Gala Raises Over $1 Million for Breast Cancer Care
The CHI Memorial Foundation’s 20th annual Pink! Gala successfully raised $1,065,000 this year, continuing its legacy of supporting breast cancer care in the community. The gala, themed “Under the Tuscan Sun,” was a black-tie event held at the newly redecorated Chattanooga Convention Center, attracting around 1,100 attendees.
Proceeds from this year’s gala will directly benefit the MaryEllen Locher Breast Center at CHI Memorial, helping to purchase a new stereotactic biopsy table and two new 3D mammography machines. These advanced technologies will enhance local access to breast cancer screening and diagnosis, ensuring the community can receive the latest and most effective treatments.
Significance of Fundraising Efforts
Since the first gala in 2005, the Pink! Gala has raised a remarkable $5.6 million for breast cancer initiatives, contributing to a total exceeding $8.2 million over the last two decades. This consistent financial support has allowed the MaryEllen Locher Breast Center to expand access to mammography services and provide care for uninsured patients. Additionally, proceeds have funded scholarships for children whose parents are battling breast cancer, as well as contributed to the MaryEllen Locher Breast Center Endowment.
The ongoing success of the gala reinforces the CHI Memorial Foundation’s commitment to providing lifesaving care and ensuring that resources remain within the local community.
Future Events and Community Engagement
The Pink! Gala has consistently sold out, and the enthusiasm was palpable this year, as it marks a significant milestone in supporting breast cancer care. Alex and Lacy Burd, who have a long-standing history with the CHI Memorial MaryEllen Locher Breast Center and the Scholarship Foundation, served as chairs of this year’s gala. Looking ahead, the foundation has scheduled next year’s event for January 31, 2026, with the theme celebrating “20 Years of Impact.”
Sponsorship opportunities for the gala range from $6,000 to $50,000, allowing businesses and individuals to contribute at various levels. Remaining individual tickets will be available for purchase starting on December 1, 2024.
Focus on Community Health and Resources
The MaryEllen Locher Breast Center provides essential resources for patients and families throughout cancer treatment, ensuring they have the support necessary during challenging times. The funds raised from the Pink! Gala are not only allocated for advanced equipment but also ensure the continuous development of programs aimed at enhancing patient care and accessibility.
For those interested in attending, purchasing tickets, or exploring sponsorship opportunities, more information is available by contacting the foundation at (423) 495-PINK (7465) or by visiting SupportMemorialFoundation.org.
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Additional Resources
- News Channel 9
- Wikipedia: Breast Cancer
- Chattanooga Pulse
- Google Search: Breast Cancer Fundraising
- Times Free Press
- Google Scholar: Breast Cancer Community Support
- WDEF
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cancer Awareness Initiatives
- Chattanoogan
- Google News: CHI Memorial Foundation
