Pink! gala for MaryEllen Locher Breast Center Fundraiser sets record, netting $390,000
CHI Memorial Foundation’s 12th annual Pink! gala, chaired by Jeff and Rona Renee Jackson and Hodgen and Amber Mainda, raised a net total of $390,000, an event fundraising record. Proceeds benefit the MaryEllen Locher Breast Center at CHI Memorial. The generosity of the sell-out crowd helped bring the total amount raised during 12 years of this annual fundraising gala to $3.2 million.
“Pink! is a celebration of life for breast cancer patients and survivors. The money raised at this event ensures the Chattanooga community has access to the most advanced breast cancer technology and treatments available,” said Jennifer Nicely, president, CHI Memorial Foundation. “The Pink! committee and staff of CHI Memorial Foundation are grateful for the continued community support of this event.”
Pink! proceeds ensure topnotch breast cancer detection and treatment capabilities right here at home. In previous years, funds raised through Pink! have helped purchase new equipment for the MaryEllen Locher Breast Center including an additional tomosynthesis, or 3D mammogram, which gives the radiologist a more complete picture of breast tissue, often reducing the need for a follow up exam. Proceeds also helped fund CHI Memorial’s two mobile health coaches which travel thousands of miles each year, visiting 24 counties in Eastern Tennessee and five counties in North Georgia. The 40-foot coaches provide the latest in breast cancer screenings to women, many of whom might not otherwise have been able to afford or access screenings. In fiscal year 2016, 4,100 women received mammogram screenings on the coaches. About CHI Memorial CHI Memorial is a not-for-profit, faith-based healthcare organization dedicated to the healing ministry of the Church. Founded by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth and strengthened as part of Catholic Health Initiatives, it offers a continuum of care including preventative, primary and acute hospital care, as well as cancer and cardiac care, orthopedic and rehabilitation services. CHI Memorial is a regional referral center of choice with 3,400 associates and more than 700 affiliated physicians providing health care throughout Southeast Tennessee and North Georgia.