(Up)Beat (Up)Date
Dear Friends,
On the heels of the Joe Andruzzi Foundation’s 17th Annual Gala, my heart is full of gratitude and inspiration. This year’s theme was ‘Be The Light’, and throughout the evening, we heard powerful stories from patients whose voices truly lit up the room. The additional glimmer that enhanced the ambiance throughout the evening was the remarkable generosity of our sponsors, guests, volunteers, and partners, who gave their talent, time, and treasure to support our mission.
Thanks to our community’s incredible support, the funds raised through our Annual Gala will help keep cancer patients’ homes warm and lit this winter, with food on the table through the holidays. While our goal was to move you with patient stories, it was all of YOU who inspired US. Your generosity will make a real difference in the lives of cancer patients, and we cannot thank you enough for responding with such open hearts.
As most of you know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and we want to share how proud we are to support this community of patients through our Programs. And this October, JAF is thrilled to share that many youth programs are stepping up as part of our Project 800 initiative, raising funds in honor of those facing breast cancer. Thank you to the young philanthropists and coaches at Gardner High School Field Hockey & Soccer, Foxborough Youth Football & Cheer, and Mansfield High School Football for leading the way—you are truly making an impact!
From one passionate person to another, there is no better time than NOW to ‘Be The Light’! #LFG
The entire JAF team wishes you and yours a very Happy Halloween!
Sincerely,
Jen Andruzzi
President and CEO
A Spook-tacular Event for Patients
What a spooktacular (Up)Beat event at Ryan’s Family Amusements in Hanover, MA! On October 22, nearly 50 cancer patients and their families enjoyed an unforgettable evening of bowling, arcade gaming, laser tag, pizza, and candy – all in one fun-filled location. Everyone – and we mean everyone – donned their favorite Halloween costumes! The Foundation is so grateful for the generosity of our friends at Ryan’s Amusements for bringing fun and smiles to families who need it the most!
Gala 2024: A Night of Light and Hope
On Thursday, October 10, the Joe Andruzzi Foundation (JAF) returned to Gillette Stadium’s G-P Atrium to host our 17th Annual Gala! The night was filled with memorable moments as more than 350 guests turned out to Be the Light for cancer patients and their families throughout New England, raising over $650,000 (with donations still coming in!) to help remove financial barriers to accessing treatment. On a night filled with entertainment, celebrities, and fun-filled auctions, it was the patients who stole everyone’s hearts with their moving personal stories and calls to action.
We are grateful for the incredible generosity of our event sponsors and supporters who helped make this event such a success. Thank you for being the light!
Third Annual Thanksgiving Basket Drive
Cancer patients and their families are among the millions of Americans facing food insecurity. This community is challenged to pay for potentially life-saving treatment and put food on the table for their families.
For the third consecutive year, the Joe Andruzzi Foundation (JAF) will provide patient recipients and their families with a Thanksgiving basket full of items for a nourishing and delicious holiday meal – including a gift card to purchase a turkey! We are able to do this once again through the support of our Presenting Sponsor, North Easton Savings Bank, Charity Partner, Personal Best Charity, and NEW sponsor Castro, Thresher, and Oliveira Certified Public Accountants.
If you, your family, or your business would like to help us meet this year’s goal of reaching 75 deliveries to local cancer patients in southeastern MA and northern Rhode Island, please
Champions Circle brings together companies committed to helping neighbors, colleagues, and friends when they need it most.
Champions Circle Members
Networking for a Cause Reception
Wednesday, October 30, 2024 from 5:30 – 7:30 pm
EVVIVA Trattoria, Wrentham
Jen and Joe are excited to provide an update on JAF’s 2024 program impacts and share the program goals for 2025. Attendees will learn how their Champions Circle membership is making a difference in the lives of many cancer patients and their families. Champions Circle members are encouraged to register HERE.
Member Updates
Many thanks to Amplix and Toshiba for renewing their MVP membership, and we’re happy to welcome Bestgen Wealth Management, LLC back as an MVP!
If you would like to learn more about joining JAF’s Champions Circle, contact Barbara Foley at barbara@joeandruzzifoundation.org.
Joe Andruzzi Foundation (JAF) is hosting its third Hop Over of 2024 and we’re heading to Hopothecary Ales Brewery and Kitchen in North Reading, MA on Thursday, November 7!
Time: 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Address: 303 Main Street, North Reading, MA 01864
Tickets: $50 (must be 21+ to attend)
Ticket Includes:
- One (1) beverage token
- Delicious light bites provided by Hopothecary Ales Brewery and Kitchen
- Live music provided by Jack O’Donohue
The first 30 purchasers will receive a commemorative Well Told pint glass.
We are thrilled to share that the Joe Andruzzi Foundation has earned FOUR STARS from Charity Navigator, the largest independent evaluator of charities in the United States. Four stars is their highest rating and is considered ‘exceptional.’
Their mission is to make impactful giving easier for all by providing free access to data, tools, and resources to guide philanthropic decision-making. More than 225,000 charities are rated, and Charity Navigator shines a light on the cost-effectiveness and overall health of a charity’s programs, including measures of stability, efficiency, and sustainability. The metrics inform donors of not just where their dollars are going but what their dollars are doing.
Holiday Helpers Project
This holiday season, the Joe Andruzzi Foundation is looking for motivated students who would like to help local cancer patients and their families with everyday expenses.
The holidays are especially difficult for cancer patients, worrying about their health and affording their treatment while attempting to celebrate the holidays as normally as possible with their families. However, with added expenses for treatment and sometimes reduced income, finances don’t always allow for that.
Through Project 800’s ‘Holiday Helpers’ Program, students can put a little more cheer in the lives of cancer patients and their families. Ideally, classrooms, entire grades, or schools can participate and commit to raising at least $800 to support a family this holiday. Funds raised go towards paying rent/mortgage, utilities, food, and other basic needs, allowing them to celebrate the season more merrily. Groups can raise money through penny/coin drives, bake sales, or other creative ideas!
To learn more or to enroll your students or youth group, please contact Hunter at hunter@joeandruzzifoundation.org.
