Markham Economist & Sun
November 12, 2009
Hope Award
Emotional Gathering Raises Funds to Fight Breast Cancer
Hope Luncheon: $200,000 raised
BY KEELY GRASSER
It was a super Sunday for Markham Stouffville Hospital's breast health centre.
It will benefit from about $200,000 raised at the Celebration of Hope Breast
Cancer Luncheon, held Sunday.
The 21st annual event featured boutique shopping, a gourmet lunch, live
entertainment, a fashion show, a live auction and many prizes.
This year also featured the first-ever Hope Awards, which recognize people that
have shared their personal cancer story in a meaningful and public way.
Author Carol Ann Cole, Citynews anchor Mark Dailey, Classical 96.3's Zoomer
Report host Libby Znaimer, CTV health and medical contributor Marla Shapiro,
Canada AM co-host Beverly Thomson and Q107 radio personality Maureen Holloway
received the awards this year.
Most of the recipients, who attended the luncheon, couldn't believe how big the
event was, said Allan Bell, the director of corporate sponsorship and events for
the Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation.
He added that it was nice to have these people who have been so vocal about
their experiences with cancer at the event.
In the part decade, the event has raised more than $2 million in support of the
fight against breast cancer.
"It's just so wonderful to be in a community where everyone comes together for
one day and raises so much money for one cause," Mr. Bell said.
About 1,200 attended the luncheon.
It's presented by the York Region Breast Cancer Friends, in partnership with the
Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation, on behalf of the hospital's Breast
Cancer Health Centre and the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.
