2016 Spring Newsletter
 
March 31, 2016
A note from our founder
What Ellie would think

Following the largest fundraiser in the Ellie Fund's history it seems natural to reflect upon what Ellie, my mom, would think. Although the Ellie Fund was formed in 1995, it feels like only days ago that I was dreaming about creating events as glamorous and successful as last month's Red Carpet Gala. It is amazing to reflect on how far the Ellie Fund has come in such a short period.

As co-founder of the Ellie Fund I am regularly asked questions about my mom. She was a fighter who was forever positive and always giving back. Family and community meant everything to her. I can remember my mom going through chemo and radiation treatments and being so sick she could not do much. She tried to continue to provide for her family but at times it was overwhelming. My father, brother and I struggled to help out by lending a hand to cook, clean, shop for groceries, and provide transportation and we somehow made it through the very difficult period of treatment. The support of our friends helped us through this journey. In the light of great uncertainty, my mom was so strong.

These same services my family desperately needed more than 30 years ago are the very same services the Ellie Fund provides today. It is amazing how far we have come to provide essential support services for breast cancer patients while in treatment.

Another commonly asked question is, "What might Ellie think about the Ellie Fund today? " I know she is proudly looking down with a huge smile on her face at what has been accomplished. I know my mom would be so proud of our growth and amazed that we are able to help ease the everyday stresses of almost 700 patients per year as they go through their journey. If my mom were still around today, she would consider all the Ellie Fund staff, supporters and the people we serve, to be her close knit community, just as many patients do today.

On behalf of Ellie and everyone that is part of our community, I extend a heartfelt thank you for your unwavering support that will allow the Ellie Fund to increase both the amount of people we serve and the length of services we provide.

Sincerely,

Jeff
Founding Director
Helping Women, Men and Families Through Their Journey with Breast Cancer

We were honored to share Mary Poor's story with guests at our 20th Annual Red Carpet Gala. Because of your generosity, Mary is one of the hundreds of patients we support each year. View the video below to learn more about how your contributions assisted Mary and her family during her breast cancer treatment.
Mary's Story

Your donation today will help families like Mary's ease the burdens of breast cancer treatment on their journey towards recovery and healing.

Patient Services Update

This past quarter has been busy and exciting for Patient Services! With the recent implementation of the extension of our Healing Together Patient and Family Care Program, we are now able to add a third month of essential support services to each patient's grant. This has allowed us to provide many of our patients with vital assistance for both themselves and their families over a longer period of time. 

Since January, we have awarded 196 grants to breast cancer patients and their families. Our patients' average age is 51, with the youngest being 31 and the oldest 86. In addition, our service grants have assisted 171 children and 481 total household members. 
THANK YOU! 20th Annual Red Carpet Gala Recap
       
We are excited to share that our 20th Annual Red Carpet Gala was a huge success and could not have been possible without the support of our incredible sponsors, hosts, guests and volunteers. The anniversary celebration of film, fashion and food included a fantastic live music performance by Louie Bello and the Northern Lights Band, delicious food from BostonChefs.com, the Best of the Best live and silent auctions and an extremely successful Fund a Family campaign!

"Our Red Carpet Gala was the most successful ever, raising an all-time record $305,000," said Ellie Fund Executive Director Gail Fine. "My heartfelt thanks and deep appreciation go to our Rose Award honoree Sue Brady Hartigan, our Presenting Sponsor Victoria Bondoc and Gemini Industries, our Red Carpet Sponsor Chris Buchanan and Walmart, our media sponsor Bill Fine and WCVB-TV and our Fund a Family Sponsor Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center who, together with all of our generous sponsors and donors, compassionately committed themselves to our mission."

Gemini President Victoria Bondoc shared her thoughts on the evening, "It was an honor to kick-off Gemini's 30th Anniversary year by celebrating the 20th Red Carpet Gala and recognizing Sue Brady Hartigan," said Bondoc. "The Program, Auction and selections from BostonChefs.com all combined to create a truly unique experience for the members of my team. The Red Carpet Gala was a great night."
Save the Date for the 10th Annual Kelley for Ellie

Mark your calendars for a fabulously fun night out! Join us on June 1 for our 10th Annual Kelley for Ellie Fashion Show at the beautiful Fairmont Copley Plaza. Our anniversary celebration will be filled with gorgeous spring fashions modeled by WCVB newscasters, gourmet hors d'oeuvres and fine wines, an exciting live auction, glamorous gift bags and more! 

You won't want to miss out on the party of the season! Stay tuned for an upcoming email with event and registration details. 

Kelley for Ellie sponsorships are now available at many levels. For more information, please contact Hillary Harrelson at hillary@elliefund.org.

Mark Your Calendars!
  • Saturday, April 2: ARS Casino Night (Gillette Stadium, 6:00-10:00 p.m.) -Join us for a fantastic night full of food, drinks, games, a silent auction and so much more! All proceeds benefit the Ellie Fund and Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Register now!
  • Sunday, April 10: Chicks with Sticks (Stoneham Arena, 3:00-6:00 p.m.) -Cheer on Wilmington moms as they take the ice for an amazing, fun-filled charity hockey tournament! 50% of the proceeds will benefit the Ellie Fund's mission. Tickets may be purchased at the door or via email at chickswithstickswyh@gmail.com
  • Monday, April 18: Boston Marathon - We will be cheering on Amy, Leslie and Stephanie as they make their way down the iconic course for Team Ellie. Meet Team Ellie and support their 26.2-mile run! 
  • Thursday, April 28: A Long Affair (Long Cadillac, 5:30-7:30 p.m.) - Come enjoy an elegant evening of cocktails and appetizers, an exciting silent auction, pop-up boutiques and the newest Cadillac models in support of the Ellie Fund. Register now!
  • Wednesday, June 1: Kelley For Ellie (Fairmont Copley Plaza) - Join us at our 10th Annual Kelley for Ellie for a fabulous evening filled with beautiful fashions modeled by WCVB newscasters, fine wines, delicious food and a fantastic auction as we celebrate the mission of the Ellie Fund while honoring Kelley Tuthill. 
  • Sunday, August 21: Falmouth Road Race - The Ellie Fund is delighted to once again have a presence at the Falmouth Road Race after our inaugural run last year. Stay tuned for more information on how to join Team Ellie and run the Falmouth Road Race this year! 
  • Monday, August 29: Real Golfers Wear Pink (Wollaston Golf Club) - Save the date for our 4th Annual Real Golfers Wear Pink! More info to come in our Summer Newsletter. Sponsorships currently available for Real Golfers Wear Pink. Contact Hillary Harrelson at hillary@elliefund.org for more information. 
Meet Team Ellie
 

Amy Sparks
"I ran the 2013 Boston Marathon. But my marathon stopped at 25.5 miles. I was never able to officially cross the big yellow and blue finish line on Boylston Street.
Many families and lives were changed that day. Along with so many, it will be a day that my family and I will never forget. 
Crystal, Lindsey, Martin and Sean will not be there to cheer on the runners and many others will never be able to run again."


"My first marathon came in 2012- my motivation that year was my hero, my mother. She had battled and beaten breast cancer in October 2011; her strength and courage were the foundation I needed to complete my first marathon. 
This year I run for the families of the Ellie Fund, my family and my friends affected by breast cancer. I have been lucky enough to be a part of the Ellie Fund since 2010 and have seen first hand how amazing this group is. Meeting the families and the people who care so much is incredibly moving. I will take that inspiration for a 26.2 mile run on April 18th."


"I'm partnering with the Ellie Fund because I want to help make life a little easier for women with breast cancer or any cancer. My mom is a breast cancer survivor and was so lucky to have friends and family rally around her, driving her to appointments, making meals and making her laugh. Two of my friends are currently being treated for acute cancer. 
I know they and their families are overwhelmed by the love and support they're receiving. Your gift to the Ellie Fund will not only provide important services but also hope and strength."
  
Supporter Spotlight
 
  The Ellie  Fund is grateful for the fantastic support from ARS Restoration Specialists who has been an integral part of many of our major fundraising efforts. At their annual Holiday Party, ARS generously granted the Ellie Fund a record $100,000, raised through various events, including their Casino Night, to be held this year on April 2. 

This i ncredibly generous gift is already positively impacting the lives of the many breast cancer patients and their families we support through our service grants. ARS's dedication to our mission and providing invaluable assistance to patients on their journey to recovery have helped us reach our goal of providing an additional third month of services to patients.
 
 The 10th Annual Casino Night celebration is a fabulously fun event of food, drinks, games, auctions and more where proceeds benefit not only the Ellie Fund, but also Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
 
Casino Night will take place on April 2 at Gillette Stadium. We hope you'll join us for a fantastic evening to support our mission as we celebrate the generosity of ARS! Your luck at the tables is always better when you're playing for charity!
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