From Our Heart plans October activities
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is an annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease. Other than skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States. When breast cancer is detected early, in the localized stage, the 5-year survival rate is 98 percent according to the American Cancer Society.
The Pine Island From Our Hearts organization is planning two events for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The first is a membership drive to be held Friday, Oct. 10, at CW Fudge Factory, at 4548 Pine Island Road, NW, directly across the street from the Post Office, from 3-7 pm.
“We are calling it ‘Get Sweet on From Our Hearts,’ William Tidball, co-owner of CW Fudge, said. “We will have pink fudge, a raffle basket, hors d’oeuvres, appetizers and the 13 drawings for the 2015 calendar will be displayed. Each new member will receive a free quarter pound of fudge.”
The second event is “Octoberbreast,” to be held Sunday, Oct. 26, at Miceli’s. The hours are noon to 6 p.m. Music will be provided by Cathy Eagle and Stringtown. There will be 50/50s, raffle baskets and 13 original drawings for the 2015 calendar will be auctioned off. The calendar will go on sale that day. “We hope that many of the artists will be able to attend too!” Tidball said. “The event is sponsored by, Fox 4, Miceli’s and From Our Hearts.”
Miceli’s is at 3930 Pine Island Road, Matlacha.
From Our Hearts is a small organization with a big heart. Back in 2001, a handful of Pine Island residents raised funds to send a local resident to a three day, 60-mile Breast Cancer Walk. That initial effort started with a few local musicians playing music at the Island Hardware store in St. James City and passing the hat. Their efforts to raise more funds continued and progressed into the First Annual Pine Island Breast Fest.
In order to become more effective in their fund-raising efforts, the not-for-profit organization called From Our Hearts Inc. was formed. It is dedicated “to help in the fight to find a cure for the debilitating disease of breast cancer and help those that for one reason or another need a helping hand.”
To become a member, contact From Our Hearts Inc. at PO Box 356, Matlacha, FL 33993, e-mail wecare@fromourheart.org or call 239-233-7437