Fall Brings Exciting Times For JAF
Though it’s sad that another Summer is officially in the books, Fall 2015 has already brought a bevy of new and exciting initiatives to the Joe Andruzzi Foundation!
Over the past month, we’ve been putting the final touches on our annual Gala celebration, put out the bat-signal for our 2016 Boston Marathon superheroes, and even found time to hand out donuts in the middle of downtown Boston (we’ll explain).
But that’s not everything that kept JAF busy in September – read all about the month that was below!
All the best,
Jen and Joe Andruzzi
JAF BY THE NUMBERS:
2015 total fundraising $877,276
2015 financial assistance given out to date $738,785
JAF & Honey Dew Team Up Again For JAF Patient Families
We’re proud to announce our fundraising is once again getting a jolt from Honey Dew Donuts, New England’s largest locally owned coffee and donut shop chain, to support cancer patients and their families.
During October 2015, Honey Dew, the official coffee of the Joe Andruzzi Foundation, will bring back the JAF-inspired “(Up)Beat Donut,” offering it at all of their 145 locations throughout Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island, with a portion of the proceeds from the specially-created red and blue-sprinkled, chocolate frosted donut to be donated to the Foundation.
Additionally, all Honey Dew locations will sell $1 and $5 window decals and will match and donate all proceeds of the decals, dollar for dollar, to JAF until the campaign ends on October 31, 2015.
Honey Dew is also re-launching its October social media contest, where customers will have the chance to win an Apple® Sport Watch when they post a “selfie” with the life size cut-out of Joe Andruzzi found at participating Honey Dew shops and post it to their Instagram, Twitter or Facebook pages using the hashtag #IFoundJoe.
Together, we can (Up)Beat cancer and spread the Foundation’s message of help, hope, and reasons to smile even during life’s most difficult challenges! Click here to see a video about our partnership.
“Get Your Donuts, Here!”
To kick-off the start of our October campaign, members of JAF and Honey Dew Donuts set up shop in a retrofitted Airstream on Boston’s Rose Kennedy Greenway on Monday morning to pass out free coffee and (Up)Beat Donuts.
The event was a huge success, and Joe and Honey Dew CEO Dick Bowen even started their own impromptu drive-through window in downtown Boston!
Check our Facebook page over the next few days for more photos from the event, and be sure to read up on the #IFoundJoe social media contest for the month of October to win cool prizes.
Tickets Now On Sale For The Gratitude Gala!
The Joe Andruzzi Foundation’s night of gratitude and celebration returns to Gillette Stadium’s Putnam Club this November 16th (6:00pm) for the annual Gratitude Gala, presented by East Commerce Solutions, Inc. – and you can join us by grabbing your tickets TODAY!
In 2014, we raised a whopping $900,000 for JAF patient families, and we want you to join with us to help take this year’s event above and beyond as we make our signature gala a record-breaking success!
The evening, emceed by 98.5 The Sports Hub Midday Host & Patriots Color Analyst Scott Zolak, will feature the opportunity to:
Meet and Greet Exclusive Celebrities & Athletes
Sip Signature Cocktails and Bid on Silent Auction Items
Enjoy a Seated Three-Course Dinner
Listen to Keynote Speaker, Patriots Co-Captain and Cancer Survivor Nate Solder
Honor (Up)Beat Award Recipient, Ed and Lisa Medeiros of East Commerce Solutions
Participate in Our Impressive Live Auction with Professional Auctioneer Paul Zekos
To purchase tickets, please click here or visit our website for more information.
Calling All Marathon Runners!
JAF is now accepting applications for those interested in running the 2016 Boston Marathon® for the Joe Andruzzi Foundation!
Team JAF has once again been selected to participate in the 2016 John Hancock Non-Profit Marathon Program, and on April 18, 2016 – Marathon Monday – our runners will take strides against cancer through the streets of Boston for the sixth straight year.
We’re looking for applications from those seeking a charity bib, as well as runners anticipating to receive entries through qualification or outside invitations. For more information, and to fill out our 2016 online application, click here!
Third Party Golf Outings Score Big For JAF
Because of the incredible generosity of JAF supporters, our Foundation was the beneficiary of two charity golf outings over the last four weeks!
Earlier in the month, the Foster Country Club held it’s annual Charitable Golf Classic in Foster, Rhode Island, raising $50,000 for JAF patient families in the process!
On September 22, JAF supporter Tom Turco organized the inaugural “(Up)Beat Open” – held at Wachusett Country Club/Kettlebrook Country Club – which raised over $38,000 towards our foundation.Together, these two events will allow us to assist more than 125 patients and their families moving forward, and we couldn’t be more thankful!
Are you interested in hosting a third-party event for the Joe Andruzzi Foundation? Check out our Third Party Events page for more information.
2015 Be Bold, Be Bald!
Be Bold, Be Bald! is a national fundraising event held on the third Friday of October each year (October 16, 2015), and takes place wherever you are. Participants go bald by boldly wearing a bald cap (or very boldly shaving their head) to honor those who bravely fight cancer and raise money to help fight back. Please register now to support the Joe Andruzzi Foundation’s Be Bold, Be Bald! team and begin your fundraising efforts. Who will you be bald for?
2015 Gratitude Gala: Above and Beyond
The Joe Andruzzi Foundation’s night of gratitude and celebration returns to Gillette Stadium’s Putnam Club again this November for the annual Gratitude Gala, presented by East Commerce Solutions, Inc.!
Click here for more information, and to purchase your tickets today!
2016 Boston Marathon®
On Monday, April 18, 2016 – Marathon Monday – the Joe Andruzzi Foundation’s “Team JAF” runners will take strides against cancer at the 2016 Boston Marathon® for the sixth straight year.
We are now accepting applications for those interested in running for Team JAF, and we welcome those seeking a charity bib, as well as runners anticipating to receive entries through qualification or outside invitations, to apply. Apply now for an opportunity to run on Team JAF.
8th Annual Joe Andruzzi & Friends Golf Tournament
The Joe Andruzzi Foundation’s will return in 2016 to the beautiful Pinehills Golf Club in Plymouth, MA for our 8th annual Joe Andruzzi & Friends Golf Tournament, presented by East Commerce Solutions, Inc.
Check back in early 2016 for details on foursomes. For questions regarding sponsorship opportunities, please contact events@joeandruzzifoundation.org. Keep checking our Golf events page for further details.
Matthew Ducharme Battles Cancer with Positivity
Matthew Ducharme – a typical, fun-loving 26 year old – had everything going for him. A steady job as an oil service technician, a new truck, a loving wife, and, most important of all, the couples first baby on the way. “I had everything, and I loved everything,” Matthew recounts.
And then, in an instant, his world turned upside down.
What resulted was a lengthy battle with Ewing’s Sarcoma; a diagnosis that put Matthew in an emotional and financial deficit during what turned out to be the most challenging time of his life.
Click here to read the full story behind Matthew’s inspiring journey, and how he relied on a positive attitude to overcome his darkest days.