Cathy Jolly's Annual Benefit
For the past three years, Councilwoman Cathy Jolly of Kansas City has hosted an inspiring annual benefit for The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, bringing together friends and colleagues to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer research, and raising a total to-date of nearly $100,000 for BCRF!
(pictured above: Cathy (pink jacket) and some of her event guests, including the KC Fire Department who had t-shirts and sweatshirts made with a pink ribbon during October!)
Cathy was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 35. After successfully battling the disease, she returned to work in 2007 with a new drive and focus: raising money and awareness for breast cancer research. She knew that research was the key to better treatments and faster cures, and so she began to look for an organization that shared her priorities. With our focus on research, our low administrative costs, and our roster of talented and renowned researchers, BCRF immediately stood out and became Cathy's "charity of choice."
On October 28, 2009, the same day that BCRF awarded grants to 173 researchers at our Annual Symposium & Awards Luncheon in New York City, Cathy Jolly hosted her Third Annual Benefit for BCRF. Approximately 75 guests attended. Cathy continues to be surprised and touched by her friends and colleagues' overwhelming generosity. Donations to BCRF were raised through ticket sales as well as through corporate sponsors, and by the end of the evening, Cathy had collected over $20,000 for BCRF!
In addition to her impressive fundraising work, the councilwoman has also played a key role in raising awareness for breast cancer in the political arena. In the summer of 2008, Cathy was selected as one of three Missouri delegates for the Democratic National Platform Committee. The committee was responsible for submitting a final draft of the Democratic Party's Platform to the DNC that August. During debates on health care, Cathy fought to put breast cancer on the agenda. With her help, the final draft included increased funding for the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, and the National Cancer Institute.
Cathy says that she is always eager to raise money and awareness for breast cancer research and for BCRF. "This drives me!" she exclaimed. Her achievements have been nothing short of extraordinary. Cathy Jolly is a dedicated and passionate civic leader, and we are honored to have her support. The entire BCRF team extends our deepest and most heartfelt thanks to this remarkable woman for her untiring dedication.
