(Up)Beat (Up)Date
Would you agree the world needs good news as households everywhere scurry around to wrap up end-of-the-year to-dos while preparing to celebrate holiday traditions with the noise of the media in the background?
Well, you are in luck! The Joe Andruzzi Foundation is here today to share that we did much good this year because of the incredible generosity of THIS community. I want to share how much help, hope, and reasons to smile YOU have all helped JAF deliver in 2023. I’ll let the numbers speak for themselves, but please know each one represents thousands of cancer patients and their family members whom you helped to lift up and ease their cancer journey.
Household Expenses – $836,500
Food – $372,850
Transportation – $93,000
Extraordinary Needs – $72,370
Wellness & (Up)Beat Events – 19
TOTAL: $1,374,720* and 19 opportunities for patients to experience joy and laughter!
I know, WOW! There is so much good here, but reaching these goals wasn’t easy because just as fast as we can award a grant, another one awaits. Requests from cancer patients for help with rent, food, electricity, and heat continue into the winter and throughout the year. Unfortunately, the passion of the JAF team members cannot carry us alone. Thankfully, donors from JAF’s Giving Societies, who provide sustainable funding for our patients, lift us up.
Remember, it isn’t always how much you give but how you give, that makes all the difference. Monthly and annual giving is the backbone of our work. At JAF, this group of angels are members of one of our Giving Societies: Bridge Builders (individuals) and Champions Circle Members (businesses). These sustainable gifts provide JAF with a fixed amount each month or annually. In this way, JAF has consistent and reliable funding. What may seem like a small gift to you (e.g., $10 per month = $120 annually) means the world to our team, especially New England cancer patients.
Keeping with GOOD, on behalf of the entire Andruzzi family and JAF team, we wish EVERYONE receiving this message love, light, and peace this holiday season!
Happy Holidays!
Jen Andruzzi
President and CEO
*Unofficial, unaudited numbers as of December 19, 2023
Incredible First JAF Wellness Retreat
On Sunday, November 22, JAF held its inaugural Women’s Wellness Retreat welcoming 28 women virtually to participate. Thanks to our partnership with the Livestrong Foundation at the Hockomock Area YMCA and PeaceLove Studios, participants did yoga, meditation, and expressive arts workshops. Additionally, JAF sent 45 women a care package full of self-care items such as face masks and aromatherapy pouches thanks to the Randi Friedman Wellness Fund.
One participant shared, “Thank you very much for providing an outlet for us survivors and thrivers. This was my first time participating with people with diagnoses like my own and I could feel the compassion and empathy we had for one another.”
The Foundation’s Wellness team looks forward to holding more retreats like this in 2024 for the cancer patients we proudly serve.
Patients Enjoy Fun Night Out at Providence Bruins
Ten patients and their families joined Joe and the JAF crew on Friday, December 1, for an (Up)Beat Event at the Amica Bank Pavilion to watch the Providence Bruins take on the Bridgeport Islanders. JAF (Up)Beat Events give cancer patients and their families an opportunity to spend time not thinking about treatment and have fun.
The game was part of the Providence Bruins Fight Cancer Night that spotlighted the cancer patients and survivors in attendance. JAF was also chosen as one of the benefitting charities from the event. Thank you to our patient ambassadors and the Providence Bruins for a fun night!
Patient Profile: James
Funds raised throughout the year go towards JAF’s mission of removing financial barriers so cancer patients can pursue and complete their treatment. One of those patients we serve is James, a Foundation grant recipient and stage IV lung cancer patient from New Hampshire. Read more about James, his journey, and how JAF helped him.
Get Your Ticket to Wasabi Fenway Bowl
The 2023 Wasabi Fenway Bowl will feature the Boston College Eagles as they take on the Southern Methodist University Mustangs! The game is Thursday, December 28 at 11:00 a.m. at Fenway Park.
A portion of each ticket purchased through the link below will go towards JAF’s mission. All kids 12 years old and under are welcome to participate in the postgame ‘Kids Take the Field’ event.
You can even select your tickets in one of three sections:
- Orange Seating Sections at $60 Per Ticket
- Pink Seating Sections at $45 Per Ticket
- Blue Seating Sections at $35 Per ticket
NOTE: Ticket link closes tomorrow, December 22, at Noon.
Another Fantastic Hop Over at True North
JAF closed out our 2023 Hop Over Events on a high note with a wonderful night at True North Ale Company on Thursday, December 7, in Ipswich, MA! Thanks to all who helped organize this event and came out to support the Foundation.
Since 2019, the JAF Hop Overs have gathered folks for a night of enjoying local beer, food, and helping cancer patients in New England. Through the support of incredible local breweries and host committees, JAF’s 2023 Hop Overs raised more than $33,000. Big thanks to ALL our Hop Over hosts in 2023, including Ravenous Brewing, Angle Tree Brewery, and Coastline Brewing Company.
If you are interested in hosting a Hop Over event at your favorite establishment, contact Gillian O’Brien at gillian@joeandruzzifoundation.org.
Support JAF at Wachusett This Ski Season
Hit the slopes this winter while giving back to JAF’s mission. Visit Wachusett Mountain in Massachusetts and use coupon code DON-JANDF when purchasing your lift ticket to designate $10 to the Foundation and helping New England cancer patients.
Make a End-of-Year Gift to JAF
Are you looking to make a meaningful impact with an end-of-year gift to JAF? You still have time! Consider making a gift of hope to the Foundation through a tax-deductible donation or your Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) for seamless giving. To discuss giving through a DAF, contact Sandy Clinton at sandy@joeandruzzifoundation.org.
Be sure to donate before December 31 to receive a tax reduction in 2023. While your support may offer tax benefits, it will also bring hope to a cancer patient undergoing treatment. Thank you!
