From Our Hearts to continue a 10-year tradition this weekend
Presented by From Our Hearts, the 10th annual Breast Fest will take place on Saturday, March 12, on the grounds of the St. James City Civic Center.
From what began as a small benefit concert staged behind the St. James City Hardware Store, Breast Fest has evolved into one of the island’s biggest events of the season. As in years past, this festival is dedicated to breast cancer awareness and to aid those less fortunate in need of breast cancer services.
The day will begin with a 5K Walk to collect funds for those in need of breast cancer services in Lee County. The 5K walk will begin at 8:30 a.m. taking participants through the quiet St. James City neighborhood and end at the finish line at the Civic Center. Prizes will be awarded in several categories this year, which will include the team that raises the most money, as well as the individual with the most pledges, the youngest walker and more.
Also taking place the morning of Breast Fest will be the St. James City Civic Association’s Spring Festival which will offer its traditional Big Breakfast. Breakfast will be served at the Civic Center from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. with all- you -can-eat serving for $5 per person.
Following the walk, participants and visitors can enjoy an afternoon of live music, food and art vendors, raffles, games and more. Lunch menu items will be available for purchase from local restaurants including the Waterfront Restaurant in St. James City, the Lazy Flamingo in Bokeelia, Miceli’s Restaurant in Matlacha and the Pine Island Community Church.
Taking the Main Stage will be several acts that have performed at Breast Fest many times in the past. As the walkers make their way to the festival area, everyone will enjoy lively bluegrass tunes and a few antics provided by the Pine Island Trio, then at noon Annie Wenz will join the group, Scrambled for a special performance after the presentation of Walker Awards scheduled for 11:45 a.m. Taking over the spotlight at 1 p.m. will be the Greg Miller Band, followed at 2 p.m. by Soapbox. High Tide will perform at 3 p.m., Ground Zero at 4 p.m. and wrapping up the entertainment line-up will be Cindy Walsh followed by Burnt Out.
To raise additional funds, organizers of the event will hold several 50/50 drawings and a silent auction. The highlight of drawings will be the “Big Ticket” drawing of food for a year.
A family friendly event, a special area of the festival will be set up just for the kids and will keep them entertained with several activities.
New this year will be the Radiology Region Mobile Mammo. Sponsored by Southwest Capital Bank, technicians will be on hand to provide mammograms with no appointment necessary, however, appointments can be made in advance by calling 936-2316. Appointments can be made as early at 9 a.m. on the day of the event. Most forms of insurance will be accepted and discounts will be offered for those who self-pay.
As in years past, Breast Fest will offer an opportunity to make a donation to Locks of Love. Those with 10 or more inches of hair can have it trimmed on the spot and organizers will take care of making sure the donation is prepared and delivered to the Locks of Love foundation.
From Our Hearts is a Pine Island based, non-profit organization that raises money throughout the year that is in turn donated to Partners in Breast Cancer Care. Partners will assist those in need of breast cancer services to acquire exams, surgeries and other services that an individual cannot afford. All money raised by From Our Hearts and Partners in Breast Cancer Care stays in Lee County to benefit its citizens.
For more information about Breast Fest or From Our Hearts, visit fromourheart.org