On October 14, 2021 from 3:00-6:00pm Candlewood Valley Health & Rehabilitation raised $10,305.00 for the American Cancer Society, at its third Annual Breast Cancer Fundraiser. The outdoor event was hosted under tents on Candlewood Valley’s sprawling field at 30 Park Lane East, New Milford, CT. COVID-safety protocols were followed and over 50 vendors participated in the event. In attendance were the New Milford Police Department and New Milford Mayor Pete Bass.
“The American Cancer Society is funding 162 grants for breast cancer totaling over $68 million in research. We can’t fund this important research without support from our volunteers and community sponsors. We are incredibly grateful for the work Candlewood Valley Rehabilitation Center does to raise awareness and funds in this community,” said Erin Nielsen, Senior Development Manager, North East Region, American Cancer Society.
This year’s event Platinum cosponsor was Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association (RVNAhealth) and its Gold cosponsor was ProCare LTC Pharmacy CT. La Piccolina Cucina generously donated the food and Juniper Home Care of provided wine.
RVNAhealth was privileged to be the co-sponsor of Candlewood Valley’s event to support the American Cancer Society. “It’s so rewarding to be part of an event that provides hope and a chance for all who attend to positively impact our community. Thank you to Melissa and Candlewood Valley for having me and RVNAhealth as a partner in such a fun event that supports so many,” stated Kathy Haven of RVNAhealth
Community volunteers and donors included New Milford’s very own Canterbury High School, Knights of Columbus Council 40, Ruth Chase Flowers, Mike Bensema Photography, Nuvance Health, New Milford Internal Medicine, Lucia Ristorante, Nordica Toys, Joe’s Salon, and Paul Morton Jewelers.
Vendors included Gypsy Jewelry, Hemp Bracelets, Monarch Communities, The Yarn Farmer, SeaGlass, Wipd & Resin Art, Visiting Angels, Acadia Pharmaceuticals, Diane Albert Studios, DoggyLicious, Keystone at Wooster Heights, Two Knotty Hippies, Juniper Home Care, The Body Shop at Home, Seasons Hospice and Palliative Care, Keystone Place at Wooster, Emalyn Sweets, Fran & Nance Natural Beauty, Medical Home Care, K. Joy Stitchery, The Village at Brookfield Common, Mary Kay, Right at Home, New Milford Internal Medicine, Curvy’s Confections, Mobile Care of CT, Paparazzi Jewelry, Scentsy, The HomeAids, Mary Kay, Synergy HomeCare, Thirty-One Bags and Griswold HomeCare.
“We have to be part of this annual event at Candlewood Valley Rehab that brings the community together to support Breast Cancer Awareness – the passion behind the program is amazing,” Cindy Sevell, Keystone at Wooster Heights.
“With two recent diagnoses in my circle, this fundraiser held an even deeper meaning for me as a vendor and I was excited to design a special “pink heart” bracelet for the event. It was a great feeling to see this supportive community come together and all the laughter & all of the smiles.” Vicki Farquhar Cook
“When I agreed to volunteer for this event little did I know what a positive experience it would become for me. I met women in all stages of their disease process. Their confidence and attitude was a lesson to me to appreciate my good health. They were so forthcoming to discuss their journey. It was a very inspiring afternoon. Bring on 2022 Fundraiser!” said Josephine Barrett, Senior Outreach Squad volunteer.
“We couldn’t be happier with how the event went over this year. We had a record number of vendors that offered so many unique shopping options for attendees. There were excellent healthcare providers on hand to give direction and support. We had an outpouring of support from our community in the way of volunteers who all chipped in to put up tents, direct parking, enforce COVID-safety protocols, greet guests and collect donations and keep the festivities going,” said Melissa Marici, Community Outreach Director, Candlewood Valley Health and Rehabilitation.