The sold-out Colors of the Sea Fashion Show on March 14 at Heritage Palms Golf & Country Club in Fort Myers raised more than $47,000 to benefit the Lee Health Cancer Institute. The event featured an awards luncheon, benefit auction and fashion show.
“We are thankful for this annual event that recognizes our neighbors in their fight against cancer, both with fundraising support and awards,” said Patti Chlipala, development officer for Lee Health Foundation. “We are also grateful for Sanibel Outlets of Fort Myers and Periwinkle Place Shops, which have been closed since Hurricane Ian, for years of support of this event.”
Attendees had opportunities to bid on dozens of silent auction baskets that included gift certificates, cruises, food and wine, electronics, rounds of golf, hotel stays, spa treatments, fashion accessories, jewelry, chocolate and more.
The lively fashion show featured a viewing of contemporary and stylish apparel modeled by residents and provided by Razzle Dazzle of Cape Coral, House of Wu of Fort Myers, Dillard’s Edison Mall, Fort Myers and Chico’s at Daniels Marketplace in Fort Myers.
Also at the event, Lee Health Foundation and Lee Health Cancer Institute recognized individuals who have made significant contributions to cancer care in Southwest Florida and offered unwavering support to individuals undergoing cancer treatments.
Awards included:
• Stacy Brill, Partners In Care board member, for the Angel Award, recognizing a non-family member supporting a cancer patient through treatment. Brill is a licensed speech language pathologist, specializing in swallowing disorders associated with oral, head, and neck cancer rehabilitation, who goes beyond to improve quality of life for her patients following cancer treatment.
• Rich Mullins for the Guardian Award, recognizing a family member supporting a cancer patient through treatment. Mullins has accompanied his wife Mary Lou to every appointment after her diagnosis in 2019 with lobular breast cancer, making her feel cherished and hopeful. In May 2022, after being cancer free, she was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer.
• Dr. Ken Walker, CEO of the Price Foundation, for the Phoenix Award, recognizing a community member who through education or development of new resources has contributed to reshaping cancer care in the community. In 2016, he generously established the Sharon MacDonald Brest Cancer Fund to improve access to care for men and women diagnosed with cancer that could not afford care. Since inception, 96 patients have received support through this fund. In 2021, a second breast cancer nurse navigator was funded to expand support in our community.
• Lee Health Foundation’s Project Pink for the Big Heart Award, recognizing a cancer survivor wo has given back to the community. Natalie Matricardi, Kristy Gudobba, Arlene Bettencourt, and Maryann Brown head a group of 40 volunteers combining their time, talent and resources to facilitate the creation and assembly of “breast cancer bags” for newly diagnosed patients
In 2022, the event raised more than $49,000 to benefit the expansion of Lee Health Cancer Institute services for south Lee County and Collier County residents and visitors. Visit LeeHealthFoundation.org for more information.
About Lee Health Foundation
Lee Health Foundation raises philanthropic dollars on behalf of Lee Health including Cape Coral Hospital, Gulf Coast Medical Center, HealthPark Medical Center, Lee Memorial Hospital, and Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida. The Foundation provides financial support for many service areas including the Lee Health Cancer Institute, Lee Health – Coconut Point, The Rehabilitation Hospital, Shipley Cardiothoracic Center, Community Health Clinics and Golisano Children’s Hospital Specialty Clinic. Over the past two years, the Foundation has distributed more than $53 million to Lee Health to support its lifesaving mission. Visit LeeHealthFoundation.org or call 239-343-6950 for more information about the role of Lee Health philanthropy in Southwest Florida.
Source: Lee Health Foundation
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