September 2024 Newsletter

(Up)Beat (Up)Date

As the chill in the air signals the arrival of fall, it also marks one of the busiest times of the year for the Joe Andruzzi Foundation (JAF). This season brings with it our highest influx of applications for assistance as families face rising costs of heat andelectricity. The need for support is critical, and community engagement is essential.

Our upcoming Gala presents a meaningful opportunity to participate as a donor andan active part of our mission. Join us for an inspirational evening to learn more about how JAF is making a difference in the lives of cancer patients throughout our communities. Together, we can provide the support they need during their most challenging times.

JAF’s commitment to helping cancer patients is unwavering. We’ve recently conducted a strategic review involving our board, staff, healthcare council, andpatient recipients, and the feedback has been clear: JAF continues to fill critical gaps, but the demand for financial assistance keeps growing. Stakeholders reminded us of our unique role, offering support to patients of any age with any cancer diagnosis, addressing everyday household expenses, and providing mental and emotional relief. They affirmed our mission and impact.

Thank you for your role in paying it forward—as a donor, ambassador, runner, volunteer, social media follower, or even someone who shares a kind word about what we do for others. It all matters so very much.

Sincerely,

Jen Andruzzi

President and CEO

 

(Up)Beat Update: Flip Circus!

Thanks to Flip Circus, more than 100 tickets have been generously donated this year, allowing 25 patients and their guests to attend free of charge. The iconic red and white striped tents appeared in North Attleboro, Auburn, and Burlington, bringing a unique circus experience to families across MA and also in RI throughout August and September. Imagined by the Vazquez Family, the show features the talented Brazilian clown Bubi, daring stunts by America’s Got Talent contestants, and breathtaking performances from entertainers from Ukraine, Italy, Colombia, Mexico and the US. For two hours, patients were able to forget their cancer diagnoses and create unforgettable memories with their loved ones.
Hear what our patients had to say after the show!:
“Thank you for a great time with my granddaughters.”
“Hola gracias la pasamos super lo disfrutamos mucho.”
“Everything was fantastic. We had a great time, and we’re very grateful we were able to attend.”
“It was a blast!!! Ty ty ty!!!”
“You are all amazing!! Thank you for all of these amazing opportunities for our family!”
“Thanks! My husband, daughter, and I enjoyed it thoroughly. Thanks again for the invite and opportunity!”


It’s Going to be a Banner Night in Boston!

Win an unforgettable night in Boston! Get two tickets to the big game on Tuesday, October 22, at TD Garden when the Boston Celtics raise their 18th Championship Banner. Celebrate like a champion and show off your Celtics pride!

THIS PACKAGE INCLUDES:

  • Two (2) tickets to the Banner Home Opener Game against the New York Knicks on Tuesday, October 22 at the TD Garden, Boston. This game features Banner #18 being raised into the rafters! The seats will be Sec Loge 11, Row 15, Seats 19/20.
  • One (1) night stay at the XV Beacon luxury Beacon Hill Boston Hotel.
  • $550 gift card to Boston’s high-end steakhouse, Abe & Louie’s, on Boylston Street.

Drawing takes place Tuesday, October 15 at 9:00 a.m. EST. Good luck!   See TERMS AND CONDITIONS HERE.

PURCHASE SWEEPSTAKES TICKETS

Get Your Tickets for Gala 2024

The Gala is JAF’s biggest night of the year, and we’re thrilled to be back at Gillette Stadium in their new G-P Atrium! The evening promises heartwarming mission-moments with our patients and celebrations as we honor some outstanding individuals and organizations as our 2024 Game Changers.

 

This year, we are asking guests to ‘Be The Light’ for New England cancer patients and their family members, offering them hope during the most challenging time of their lives. Grab your tickets TODAY!

If you have any questions, please reach out to Michelle Mason at michelle@joeandruzzifoundation.org.

BUY GALA TICKETS

All About Gala

Attire: festive, cocktail.  Parking: Free

Venue: Gillette Stadium’s G-P Atrium

Dinner: Assigned seats, delicious stations featuring a variety of food options.

Ways to Participate: Not-Your-Average Prize Drawing (some GREAT items!) $50/sheet; Super Silent Auction (What is a Super Silent Auction? A mini-live auction held during the cocktail hour. Joe and Fitzy as your auctioneers, hands waving, REALLY fun items and experiences to bid on!);

LIVE Auction and Appeal held during the program.

Game Changer Honorees and Entertainment to end the evening!

Still Time to Sponsor (but time is running out!)
We offer a range of sponsorship levels to fit your organization’s goals and budget, each designed to provide unique benefits and recognition. Whether you’re looking to make a grand impact or support in a more intimate way, there’s a perfect option for you. To discuss sponsorship opportunities, please contact Barbara Foley at barbara@joeandruzzifoundation.org

MORE INFORMATION

Welcome to Our NEWEST Gala Sponsors!

These are the newest sponsors to support Gala this year, for a full list of sponsors, please visit our event website HERE.

GOLD:

CVS Health

The Derenzo Charitable Foundation

RapDev

Red Sox Foundation

SILVER:

The Castle Group

BRONZE:

A.I.M. Mutual Insurance

Alliance Health & Human Services

C.M. Cleaning

Coghlin Companies

Kopman Adler | COMPASS

Gillis Holdings LLC

Massachusetts Senior Care Association (MSCA)

Phoenix Communications

Tito’s Handmade Vodka

IMPACT:

Chris and Lisa Regan

UMass Memorial Health

Waterson Terminal Services, LLC

Webster Bank

Willowtree Farm

LIGHT LOOP:

Big Al’s Services

Rutland Regional Medical Center

LOOP:

Bluestone Bank

Champions Circle brings together companies that share a commitment to helping neighbors, colleagues, and friends when they need it the most.

The Champions Circle Giving Society’s year-to-date revenue is $42,350, and still growing, thank you!  So far in 2024, this revenue has contributed to providing the following assistance to cancer patients:

 

· 1,646 Lyft rides for cancer patients needing to go to a Treatment Appointment (the average cost of a ride in 2024 is $25.73)

· 196 grocery store gift cards mailed to patients and their families through the Food Security Assistance program

· 71 Financial Assistance Grants to patients for general household expenses

 

This funding is critical to these patients and it’s because of JAF’s Champions Circle Members and their support that they can rely on JAF.  Thank you!

Many thanks to BayCoast Bank for renewing their membership at the Teammate level.

To enroll in Champions Circle or to renew your membership, click below or email barbara@joeandruzzifoundation.org.

LEAN MORE ABOUT CHAMPIONS CIRCLE

 


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 at check-in!

GET TICKETS

 

JAF is proud to partner with local universities and police departments this October for the Pink Patch Project! Each year, police, fire and public safety teams nationwide design and sell pink patches to support breast cancer research and patient treatment. Once again, JAF welcomes back Harvard, Tufts, and Suffolk Universities who are generously donating the funds raised through their campaigns to JAF in order to support cancer patients throughout New England.

Patches will be available through participating departments. If you’d like to support or know someone in public safety interested in getting involved, contact Hunter at hunter@joeandruzzifoundation.org or call (508) 261-0630 x406.

Wanted: Students as Community Leaders

School’s back in session, and leading a Project 800 fundraiser this fall is a great opportunity for students to earn community service hours. By creating their own fundraiser, students will not only support cancer patients across New England but also develop leadership skills and experience the rewards of making a difference in their community. Whether they rally their classmates for a bake sale, organize a school event, or rally their athletic team, students have the chance to become real changemakers.

To learn more about Project 800, contact Hunter at hunter@joeandruzzifoundation.org or call (508) 261-0630 x406.

LEARN MORE ABOUT PROJECT 800

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