Matching their largest donation to date, the Girls Night Out Altoona, Inc. (GNOAI) committee presented a check for $50,000 to the Joyce Murtha Breast Care Center (JMBCC) in support of patient care services. Each year the committee hosts an annual fundraising dinner that brings together breast cancer survivors, family, friends, and supporters. They hosted their 15th annual event in October at the Blair County Convention Center in Altoona with 1000 people in attendance.
“Girls Night Out Altoona, Inc. raised an impressive sum this year – $200,000! We are so grateful for the committee’s continued support and dedication to increasing breast cancer awareness and helping patients in our community,” said Kim Oleksa, CSSMCW Foundations/Development Administrator.
GNOAI has been raising funds for the JMBCC since 2008. Since then, they have contributed more than $499,000 to the breast care center. Their generous donations have helped to fund Pink Ribbon Care, a program that provides assistance for patients who are unable to pay for breast-related health services – including mammograms, follow-up diagnostic services, and genetic counseling.
To date, GNOAI has raised and donated more than $1.5 million. Proceeds from this year’s event have been split between four organizations they support – the JMBCC, the Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, UPMC Magee Specialty Center, and the Bob Perks Fund.
“We have a very dedicated team of 22 volunteers who work on this event 12 months of the year. Our goal is to provide help and hope to those in the fight against breast cancer with our monies. Already gearing up for our 16th Annual Girls Night Out Altoona, Inc. event, this year it will be held at the Blair County Convention Center on Wednesday, October 23, 2024,” stated GNOAI Founder/President Juls Bratton.
Pictured: (back row, left to right) GNOAI committee members Loane Maier, Dianne Crust, Janice Frank, Jess Curfman, Sydney Kuczinski, Paula Binus, Linda Bonsell, Sue Stevens, and Juls Bratton; (front row, left to right) GNOAI committee members Linda Filby, Meghan Steinbugl, Kim Vandevander, CSSMCW Director of Women’s Services Erin Goins, CSSMCW Development & Fundraising Administrator Kim Oleksa, and GNOAI committee members Courtney Seidel and Mandy Fickes.
About Joyce Murtha Breast Care Center
The Joyce Murtha Breast Care Center (JMBCC) opened in February 2002 offering comprehensive and personalized breast care in one convenient location. The JMBCC exists to prevent and treat diseases of the breast and other conditions that can impact the lives of the women served. The tools and techniques used include digital mammography, ultrasound, breast biopsies, breast MRI, bone densitometry, genetic counseling, research studies, and a female breast surgeon on-site.
About Chan Soon-Shiong Medical Center at Windber
Founded in 1906, Chan Soon-Shiong Medical Center at Windber (CSSMCW) is an independent, non-profit acute care hospital in northern Somerset County, bordering Cambria County. The 54-bed hospital shares a campus and collaborates with Chan Soon-Shiong Institute of Molecular Medicine at Windber (CSSIMMW), a private, non-profit biomedical research center. With more than 450 employees, CSSMCW is the fourth largest employer in Somerset County. CSSMCW’s mission is to provide excellence in personalized, quality health care services through innovation, research and education in response to community needs. For more information visit www.windbercare.org.