From Our Hearts to cease operations
To the editor:
After much contemplation, From Our Hearts has decided to cease operations. Many factors went into this very difficult decision. We found it difficult to continue as a totally volunteer-run organization, as many other volunteer organizations have found.
From Our Hearts started as a grass-roots effort in 2002 and became a non-profit 501c3 organization in 2004. The first BreastFest was held at the St. James City Hardware Store in 2002 and later moved to the St. James City Civic Center. FOH raised money to support the residents of Pine Island that needed assistance with breast cancer screening and treatment. Since 2005, From Our Hearts provided almost $500,000 in care.
It takes an island!
There are so many people to thank for their support throughout our tenure. First and foremost, those persons and their families that are currently or have gone through the breast cancer journey. You have been an inspiration to many!
Thank you to our founding members! What a vision you had to support our neighbors and community!
Thank you to all former board members and volunteers! All gave selflessly to this incredible mission!
Thank you to all the vendors, artists, organizations and businesses that supported us — so many donated items that raised money in our silent auctions and the restaurants that were at BreastFest; The Waterfront, Lazy Flamingo, Low Key Tiki, Miceli’s!
Thank you to St. James City Civic Center for allowing us to have BreastFest on your property for so many years! Thanks to CW Fudge for support and counsel! Thank you to Bert’s Bar, From Our Hearts were recipients of the proceeds from their Pirates’ Ball for several years. Thank you to Ragged Ass Saloon for hosting our 2020 BreastFest Bash.
And an extra special thank you to Miceli’s Restaurant and family — you and your staff were incredible to support our OctoberBreast event for 10 years! Thank you to all the musicians and bands that donated their time and talents at our events!
Thank you to the community, all who came out and walked at BreastFest, attended our other events and donated to the cause! Your support shows the caring spirit of our island!
Lastly, thank you to our community partners: Partners for Breast Cancer Care, Lee Health and Beacon of Hope. It is through From Our Hearts’ grants to these organizations that individuals received the breast cancer screening and treatment that was needed. To honor all donations raised to support breast cancer, the balance of From Our Hearts money has been donated to Partners for Breast Cancer Care to continue to provide services to eligible Pine Island residents. Please continue to support these organizations as they continue the mission of access to breast cancer care for all. Do not go without your mammogram, ladies! Early detection is the key! Reach out to Partners for Breast Cancer Care and Beacon of Hope if you have a need!
It has been our honor to serve our community!
FOH Advisory Group
Kris Hornsby
Terri James
Sharon Kubiak
Mary Scott
Karen Washburn