Happy summer, everyone!
It has been a jam-packed month at the Joe Andruzzi Foundation (JAF), from seeing so many friends at our 16th Annual Joe Andruzzi & Friends Golf Tournament and supporter-hosted events to making new friends at the Northern Rhode Island Chamber, and welcoming some terrific new team members!
However, last week may be the highlight! Joe and I had the privilege of attending the Dempsey Center‘s In Good Taste event in Scarborough, Maine, hosted by Patrick Dempsey or Dr. McDreamy, as some of you may know him better. A little background on the Dempsey Center: Patrick founded the center in 2008 in honor/memory of his mom, Amanda, who bravely battled ovarian cancer – the center provides invaluable support and resources to cancer patients. This event underscored the vital role wraparound services play for patients in and post-treatment, along with their caregivers and family members. It was a poignant reminder that the advocacy work in these spaces must continue.
The Dempsey Center’s mission deeply inspires and resonates closely with our support efforts, particularly in emotional experiences, wellness, and nutrition. Working in the cancer space is an emotional journey filled with triumphs and challenges—just ask the doctors, nurses, social workers, patients, their families, and my fellow nonprofit leaders. Yet, connecting with partners like the Dempsey Center and Maine Cancer Center, who share our unwavering commitment to cancer patients and their families, fuels our determination and strengthens our resolve.
Sincerely,
Jen Andruzzi
President and CEO
Wild Adventure: Cancer Patients Enjoy Heartwarming Day at the Zoo
Giraffes, monkeys, patients, and Joe (oh, my!) were at the Southwick Zoo in Mendon, MA, on Wednesday, June 5. Thanks to our partnership with Southwick Zoo and EARTH Ltd., cancer patients and their family members visited the zoo during after-hours. It may have been quiet due to few people visiting, but the lions, monkeys, and lemurs made their presence known.
After walking around the zoo with her son, one patient shared, “This is just what we needed ❤️.” The Joe Andruzzi Foundation (JAF) believes in providing cancer patients not only with help and hope through financial assistance but also a reason to smile. JAF’s (Up)Beat Events allow patients and their families to participate in activities to reduce stress and create more positive memories. Southwick Zoo’s After-Hours event did just that!
Elevate Your Brand This Summer: Sponsor the Falmouth Road Race
Partnering with the Joe Andruzzi Foundation on one of our mission-based programs, annual fundraisers, or Team JAF athletic events provides your company with an incredible opportunity to make a meaningful impact on New England cancer patients while gaining valuable exposure. Our corporate partners enjoy increased brand visibility, community engagement, and a boost in corporate social responsibility.
This month we want to highlight our Falmouth Road Race Presenting Sponsor opportunity! This exclusive $10,000 opportunity offers direct brand exposure to over 40 dedicated runners, their supporters, and the JAF community. Help support patients and runners at one of the biggest road races of the summer in Falmouth, MA!
For more information on this and all other unique sponsorship opportunities, please contact Nicole Anderson at nicole@joeandruzzifoundation.org.
16th Annual Golf Tournament: A Swinging Success!
On Monday, June 10, JAF held the 16th Annual Joe Andruzzi & Friends Golf Tournament presented by Apotho Therapeutics/Frankie’s International Bistro at Black Rock Country Club in Hingham, MA.
It was another beautiful day on the course, and thanks to the generous contributions from our supporters, the event raised more than $330,000 for New England cancer patients! More than $40,000 will fund JAF’s Financial Assistance Program, which supports rent/mortgage, utilities, car insurance and repairs, food, transportation to treatment, and extraordinary needs.
Thank you to everyone who supported this event. Whether you played, sponsored, bid, or bought a helicopter ball, you helped make a difference for cancer patients in your community!
Amplix Golf Tournament Drives Hope for New England Cancer Patients
On June 17, the 10th Annual Amplix Golf Tournament took place at the Franklin Country Club, bringing Amplix clients and partners together for fun and philanthropy. The event was a tremendous success, raising over $55,000. JAF staff had a great time participating and volunteering, and we were thrilled to receive nearly $28,000 from the proceeds, which were shared with the Ray Bourque Family Foundation.
The funds were raised through tournament games, a live and silent auction, and general donations. The Amplix leadership team and staff have been a dedicated supporters of JAF for years, sponsoring and recruiting participants for various events such as the JAF Gala, Annual Golf Tournament, and Champions Circle. Amplix also plays a vital role as the presenting sponsor for the JAF Food Security Program, ensuring that cancer patients and their families can access the nutritional food they need.
We sincerely thank Amplix CEO Joe DeStefano and President Dan Gill, both of whom serve on JAF’s Board of Directors, for their unwavering dedication and support. Their leadership and Amplix’s continued commitment significantly impact the lives of the families we serve.
Amplix’s tournament is a wonderful example of how third-party events tremendously impact the cancer patients JAF supports. To host an event to benefit the Foundation, contact Gillian O’Brien at gillian@joeandruzzifoundation.org.
Save the Date: Annual Gala is October 10
This fall, the Joe Andruzzi Foundation (JAF) invites you to ‘Be The Light’ for New England cancer patients and their families. Join us on Thursday, October 10, for our Annual Gala at Gillette Stadium’s new G-P Atrium. It promises to be an unforgettable evening featuring inspiring stories, delicious food, and incredible auction items, all aimed at raising crucial funds to support members of our community confronting a cancer diagnosis.
If you or your business would like to become a sponsor of this signature event, please contact Nicole Anderson today at nicole@joeandruzzifoundation.org.
On Thursday, June 20, the Joe Andruzzi Foundation’s Young Professionals Council (YPC) hosted a mixer at Capo Restaurant in South Boston. The food and drinks were delicious, but the company was unmatched! The space was filled with familiar faces and new friends, all of whom were interested in networking and learning more about how they could get more involved with the Foundation.
Thank you to Capo Restaurant for hosting and all those who joined us! If you or any of your colleagues are interested in learning more about the YPC and how to get involved, please contact Nicole Hartley at nicolehartley13@gmail.com.
Give the Gift of Hope to a Cancer Patient
Become a JAF Bridge Builder today and transform the lives of cancer patients with your monthly support. For just $10 a month, you’ll provide essential rides to treatment centers, ensuring patients get the care they urgently need. Increase your impact to $25 a month, and you’ll also supply grocery cards, easing the burden of nutritional costs.
Every donation matters. Together, we’re tearing down financial barriers so that no patient ever has to face the heart-wrenching choice between treatment and necessities like rent.
Your monthly gift can help rewrite the story of someone’s cancer journey. Join Bridge Builders today and be a beacon of hope for those in need.
School may be out for the summer, but the Joe Andruzzi Foundation is already thinking about the fall and inviting new students and local organizations to Project 800! This program combines community service and team building with fundraising to help New England cancer patients. The goal? Each group or team is tasked with raising a minimum of $800—the average amount of a patient grant.
This spring, dozens of school groups and teams in New England organized Project 800 fundraisers. One great example of a school surpassing its goal was Longmeadow High School’s boy’s lacrosse team, who raised $2,025 by hosting a lacrosse clinic and collecting donations!
To learn more about Project 800 and how it can engage students and youth groups, please contact hunter@joeandruzzifoudnation.org .
