Special to the Eagle A collaborative effort, this work titled “Think Pink,” will be raffled off to help support the activities of From Our Hearts, an island based organization dedicate to breast cancer awareness.

The Pine Island based non-profit organization From Our Hearts is getting some help with fund-raising thanks to a local artist. Currently on display at Lovegrove Gallery and Garden in Matlacha is a painting titled, “Think Pink,” which will be raffled off to benefit the causes supported by the members of From Our Hearts.

Leoma Lovegrove decided to become more involved in the efforts of From Our Hearts when breast cancer struck close to home.

“I recently lost my sister to cancer and my Bible study teacher and good friend also was diagnosed with breast cancer,” Lovegrove said. “You never think that things like this could happen to people close to you and I was amazed by what I saw as I watched her and how she handled it.”

As for her involvement with From Our Hearts, Lovegrove had asked a member why it is important to continue to raise money and was inspired by what she learned.

“A member with From Our Hearts told me that scientists are making new discoveries every day that help to extend the lives of breast cancer patients. There is so much hope and reasons to keep on giving,” said Lovegrove. “That is why I felt I needed to become involved.”

The 36-inch by 48-inch canvas was a collaborative effort created by several local artists as well as a number of celebrities including news anchors from FOX4, to raise breast cancer awareness. Currently the work of art is hanging at Lovegrove Gallery and Garden in Matlacha and raffle tickets are presently on sale with all proceeds earmarked to benefit breast cancer patients on Pine Island and in Lee County. Tickets are $2 each or 8 for $10 and the winner will be drawn on March 13 at this year’s annual Breast Fest sponsored by From Our Hearts. Tickets can be purchased at Lovegrove Gallery and Garde or from any member of From Our Hearts.

From Our Hearts was founded by a small group of islanders eight years ago for the purpose of raising money and generating breast cancer awareness. What started out as a handful of musicians performing at the hardware store in St. James City evolved into one of the island’s largest fund-raising events. Each year in March, members of From Our Hearts with the assistance of several musicians and island vendors stage Breast Fest at the St. James City Civic Center.

The day begins with a 5K (3-mile) walk followed by an afternoon of live music from local performers. During the day-long event several raffles are held and local restaurants offer up food and beverages for sale. This event has proved so successful that in past years, this one event that takes place over the course of a single day has raised as much as $60,000 to benefit breast cancer patients. All proceeds raised by From Our Hearts goes directly to Lee County’s Partners for Breast Cancer Care.

Partners is a non-profit organization who secures services for those who cannot afford them. Typically Partners has seen to it that several services have been provided for area residents for free or for a minimal fee. These services and procedures include mammograms, ultrasounds, biopsy, mastectomy and other necessary life-saving procedures.

Expanding its scope of donations, From Our Hearts has also contributed to the efforts of Hope Hospice. In a separate fund-raising effort, From Our Hearts has added A Walk for Hope to its calendar. Taking place usually in November, all proceeds raised by sponsored walkers are donated to aid in the important work done at Hope Hospice in Lee County.

For more information about From Our Hearts, visit the Web site at fromourheart.org