SALISBURY — Anna Jaques Hospital and the Institution for Savings are teaming up for their annual SHINE fundraiser on Oct. 16 to raise money for breast cancer care services and celebrate the women battling the disease.
The annual fundraiser at the Blue Ocean Event Center offers guests the chance to enjoy an auction, dinner and dancing.
Nicole Nadeau, a member of the Anna Jaques Hospital board of trustees and co-chair of the event, said the fundraiser has been expanded to welcome more people than in years past.
“We’re hoping to have about 450 attendees this year, which is about 100 more than in previous years,” she said.
Mary Anne Clancy, senior vice president of marketing and communications at the Institution for Savings and a co-chair of the event, said the bank is dedicated to supporting those battling or affected by breast cancer.
“It is a cause that is near and dear to our hearts. We have many employees, many employees’ families who have unfortunately gone through cancer treatments. So, it’s really something we believe strongly in supporting,” she said.
Clancy said along with raising money for a good cause, the fundraiser sheds new light on treatments community members can receive locally.
“I think it has really served to raise awareness in the community about not just the need for breast care services locally, but also the caliber of treatment you can get right here at home at Anna Jaques Hospital,” she said.
Guests will also have a chance to get a sneak peek of Anna Jaques new, comprehensive breast care center.
Nadeau said once the center is open, she believes it will be impactful for the region’s residents.
“I think a lot of people think of Anna Jaques as a Newburyport resource. This is a resource for the entire North Shore to be able to have breast care services at a really top tier level across this area,” she said.
Clancy also said the event will provide the chance to support a good cause and have fun.
“It is something that’s going to be so important to this community. And, the event is also a lot of fun. We have great auction items, we have a 3D photo booth, we have fabulous entertainment. So, I think when people come to this event they have so much fun, but they also know that they’re there to support their community hospital,” she said.
Those interested in purchasing tickets for the event can visit the Anna Jaques Hospital website (ajh.org) to learn more.