(Up)Beat (Up)Date
February was all about love at the Joe Andruzzi Foundation (JAF)! Many supporters participated in our Cupid Joe Video Valentine campaign to support cancer patients (thank you!).
The Foundation also received Valentines of our own from patient recipients who filled emails and handwritten notes with words of gratitude for the help they received. We are always humbled when we hear from a former patient recipient who generously chose to ‘pay it forward’ by donating to help others on a cancer journey. One such note reached my desk this month, and I just had to share this beautiful and honest snapshot of what so many of our recipients face. (Thank you, Pam! )
“I would like to thank you for helping us with utility assistance and the gift card for groceries while I was going through treatment in 2022. I was out of work for two years, but I have finally gone back and fixed our home financials. I am very grateful for your help during a very dark time when we could not qualify for much assistance. Without me working, paying many copays and Rx costs, and trying to eat better, our expenses grew even though I cut back in other areas. Thank you very much.”
– Pam M., Hudson, NH
Patient recipients tell us in their own words every day that the funds and resources they receive from JAF are changing the way they access and complete their cancer treatment.
And we want you, our supporters, to know that, too.
Sincerely,
Jen Andruzzi
President and CEO
JAF Impact: In a Patient’s Own Words
“2023 has brought with it a multitude of surprises and hurdles, but nothing prepared us for Camryn’s diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia on April 28, 2023. Our family has since scrambled to figure out our new normal. We have pushed forward and continue to make our way through this journey, but it has all been possible because of the support we have received from folks like you. Thank you for making my family’s happiness a priority. The generosity, commitment of love, and prayers from friends, family, and new connections help us get through the hardest days. Thank you for all you have done for our family and for Camryn. We are eternally grateful! We are so thankful to the Joe Andruzzi Foundation for the generous donation of grocery cards and a mortgage payment. Thank you!”
(Up)Beat Event: Disney on Ice Boston
Sunday, February 25th, nine cancer patient recipients and their families joined Joe Andruzzi and members of the JAF team to enjoy Disney on Ice Boston at the TD Garden! It was a night for Mickey ears, bubbles, glow sticks, and SMILES! Families sang along to Encanto, Moana, Frozen, and more! It was a night of unforgettable moments as families could relax, putting aside thoughts of cancer for a little while to enjoy an outing together. JAF is grateful for our partners at Regan Communications Group, who make this outing possible year after year.
It’s Almost Time “FORE” JAF’s Golf Tournament!
On Monday, June 10, 2024, the Joe Andruzzi Foundation (JAF) will return to Black Rock Country Club in Hingham, Massachusetts, to host the 16th Annual Joe Andruzzi & Friends Golf Tournament presented by Frankie’s International Bistro/Apotho Therapeutics. This event brings supporters together for a fun golf day where you can mix and mingle with celebrity guests. Most importantly, we will raise funds to provide help, hope, and a reason to smile, for New England cancer patients and their families.
Sponsorship packages are almost sold out; however, there are a few opportunities (that include golf foursomes) to participate! Contact Nicole Anderson at nicole@joeandruzzifoundation.org if interested!
Tee signs are now available for purchase! Displayed prominently on the course, you can choose between TWO sign designs:
1. Traditional tee signs featuring a company logo/name.
2. NEW – “In Honor” or “In Celebration” designs for those wishing to recognize a colleague, friend, or loved one with a message of encouragement, congratulations or a thank you.
All purchasers will also receive a signed photo of Joe standing with your tee sign on the course as a keepsake! Contact Erica Mancini at erica@joeandruzzifoundation.org to get yours today!
New Champion Circle Member Makes Supporting JAF Easy (and Delicious)!
Champions Circle brings together companies committed to helping neighbors, colleagues, and friends facing a cancer diagnosis when they need it the most.
One of our newest Champions – EVVIVA TRATTORIA, in Wrentham, MA – is doing just that through the “Joe Andruzzi Foundation Private Dining Room” by serving great food that is perfect for your next company party, business meeting, or family get-together. When you book this room, a portion of the proceeds your event will benefit JAF! Contact EVVIVA TRATTORIA directly to schedule your next event and help support JAF.
Welcome InSource Services and EVVIVA TRATTORIA as our newest members at the Hall of Fame level. Thank you to the following companies for renewing at the following levels:
Landmark Medical Center– MVP Level
Lane, Lane & Kelly, LLP – Team Captain Level
Audio Video Intelligence and CEMServices, Inc. – Teammate Level
KPMG/Eric Turner – Fan Level
Thank you to all our JAF Champions Circle Members for their continuing support. To enroll in Champions Circle or to renew your membership, contact Barbara Foley at barbara@joeandruzzifoundation.org or visit JAF’s website.
Team JAF Now Has Golf!
Proving that road races and marathons are not the only Team JAF activity, JAF is also recruiting golfers of all ability levels to join Team JAF in Golf Fights Cancer’s 2024 Golf Marathon! Enjoy golf, lunch, and inspiring stories at the beautiful Juniper Hills Golf Course, all while raising money for the cancer patients we serve. JAF receives 100% of all funds raised through this event!
What is a golf marathon, you ask? It is a relaxed, fun day where golfers play 100 holes of golf in one day! Don’t worry. We have tips and tricks that will make it a breeze! You can play either Thursday, June 6, or Friday, June 7. Don’t miss out on the fun this year!
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE GOLF MARATHON
Maybe golf isn’t your thing? Click below to check out Team JAF’s growing list of activities this year.
Corporate Partnerships
Sometimes, the challenge of cancer treatment is just getting there. JAF’s Treatment Transportation Program works with Lyft to provide cancer patients free rides to and from treatment, ensuring they can access care with reliable transportation.
Whether it’s Treatment Transportation or one of JAF’s other impactful programs, the Foundation relies on philanthropic partners willing to ensure these programs remain available to those in need. For those who sponsor our programs, JAF offers a variety of awareness and engagement opportunities. Making a difference in the lives of cancer patients has never been easier or more rewarding for businesses looking to give back to their communities.
To learn how you or your organization can become a corporate partner and help New England residents access care and complete their treatment, contact Nicole Anderson at Nicole@joeandruzzifoundation.org.
401Gives Happening Soon!
It’s only February, but we are already counting down the days to April 1 and 401Gives – Rhode Island’s special day of giving. This small state has such a big heart that it needs its own day dedicated to raising funds to help Rhode Islanders. JAF is in its third year participating but has supported local Rhode Island cancer patients and their family members for more than a decade.
In 2023, JAF provided $120,214.28 in funding to 186 Rhode Island cancer patients, helping them survive financially while they are in treatment. So, to our friends and partners in Rhode Island, please mark your calendars for April 1!
Another great way to participate in 401Gives is by joining Team JAF and apply for the BehanBros Newport Night Run on April 6. All funds raised by our runners will support JAF’s 401Gives campaign!
One Last Day to Help!
While Cupid Joe has hung up his bow and arrow for this year, one day remains in our “Have a Heart, Heat a Home” campaign. JAF calls upon our community to create the warmest February on record for cancer patients and their family members. Home heating bills are one of the most significant challenges for families. JAF always sees an increase in applications at this time of year, so the Foundation wanted to do something extra to meet the demand. In 2023, JAF provided 167 heating assistance grants totaling $75,108 to patients. Heat is just one of the utilities JAF supports through its Financial Assistance.
Before we turn the page in February, please consider donating to help us keep a cancer patient warm in their home.
Thanks to everyone who participated this year by sharing JAF and Cupid Joe with your loved ones. Extra special thanks to our Celebrity Cupids, the Vermont Nut Free Chocolates, and the Gillis family, our match sponsor, for doubling all contributions received and helping us raise over $6,200.
Welcome, Teresa!
Everyone at JAF is thrilled to welcome Teresa in the role of Events Coordinator. Supporters can look forward to seeing her at all of JAF’s fundraising events from Team JAF to Golf to Gala!
You can learn more about Teresa HERE!
