CHI Memorial Foundation’s 13th annual Pink! gala, chaired by Dr. Taylor and Tiffany Whaley and Dr. Tom and Susan Flanagan, raised a net total of $389,000, all of which stays in the local community. Proceeds benefit the MaryEllen Locher Breast Center at CHI Memorial. The generosity of the sell-out crowd helped bring the total amount raised during 13 years of this annual fundraising gala to nearly $3.8 million.
“Pink! is a celebration of life for breast cancer patients and survivors. The money raised at this event ensures the Chattanooga community has access to the most advanced breast cancer technology and treatments available,” said Jennifer Nicely, president, CHI Memorial Foundation. “The Pink! committee and staff of CHI Memorial Foundation are grateful for the continued community support of this event.”
Officials stated, "Pink! proceeds ensure top-notch breast cancer detection and treatment capabilities right here at home. This year, proceeds will go toward the purchase of a tomosynthesis, or 3D mammogram, machine for the newest location of MaryEllen Locher Breast Center when it opens at The Atrium in East Brainerd later this year. Proceeds will also be used to establish an endowment fund ensuring services provided by the MaryEllen Locher Breast Center will continue well into the future.
"In previous years, funds raised through Pink! have helped purchase new equipment, like the tomosynthesis, and helped fund CHI Memorial’s two mobile health coaches, which travel thousands of miles each year visiting 24 counties in Eastern Tennessee and five counties in North Georgia. The 40-foot coaches provide the latest in breast cancer screenings to women, many of whom might not otherwise have been able to afford or access screenings. In fiscal year 2017, about 4,400 women received mammogram screenings on the coaches."
Next year’s Pink! gala will be held Saturday, Jan. 26, 2019. Call 423-495-PINK for information or updates.