From Our Hearts to present special bracelets for Breast Fest
The From Our Hearts organization will hold their 13th annual Breast Fest March 14 at the St. James City Civic Association. The day will start out with a walk where approximately 400 participants who have previously spent time collecting monetary donations to sponsor their “Team Walk.”
In appreciation for the hard work that these walkers do for their community, anyone raising $150 or more will be awarded a hand crafted Breast Cancer bracelet. This year the bracelets will be special because they are being provided by a fellow charitable organization on the island. The First Wednesday’s Club of Bokeelia chose Breast Fest as one of its charitable recipients for 2015. Led by Pine Island resident Anita Skinner, who designed the bracelet, the women of the organization contributed the cost and time to make 30 bracelets.
“When I was asked if I would create and make the bracelets I said yes I would if I could find the correct beads,” Skinner said. “I managed to find heart shaped beads and I let Sharon know the Ladies of the First Wednesday Club of Bokeelia would be proud to provide the bracelets this year.
“The ladies of the First Wednesday Club of Bokeelia are like a coffee klatch,” Skinner said. “Somebody opens their house once a month and about 40 of us get together. Sometimes we have guest speakers, sometimes there are demos, it all depends on the homeowner on what she wants to do.
“Everyone worked hard to get these finished in time for the Breast Fest on March 144,” Skinner said. “We made 30 bracelets but if we have more to award for raising $150 we can make them.”
From Our Hearts joined forces with Partners for Breast Cancer Care and Regional Cancer Center/Lee Memorial Health System for the procedures necessary for those islanders who qualify and are facing possible breast cancer.
The Pine Island From Our Heart organization was formed when a handful of Pine Island residents raised funds in 2001 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.
The From Our Heart mission statement is “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.”
“I expect a record turnout this year,” organizer Mary Scott said. “I am sure that this year’s event will be even bigger and better than previous years. We expect perfect weather and a record crowd.”