Fundraising Heroes

Over the past ten years, caring people like you have organized and staged their own fundraisers more than 340 times to The Memorial Foundation. That’s about $100,000 in 10 years raised by people, businesses, and community groups throughout the Valley to support a cause close to their hearts!

Donors determine the fund they wish to support within our four main health initiatives. The Memorial Foundation helps ensure that the raised funds are allocated as you specify. The majority of these donations to date are direct to breast cancer services and mammogram scholarships. These funds might help pay for a patient’s co-pay, part of the deductible for a test, or even a screening mammogram. Your donations make real-life impacts on individuals and families in our communities.

These groups are truly heroic. They go out of their way to raise community awareness about the importance of early diagnosis and self-care and raise funds to support critical screening services.

Who are some community fundraising heroes, and what do they do?

Yakima Valley Quilter’s Guild

This dynamic group essentially established the mammogram scholarship fund at ‘Ohana in 2003. The Guild raffles a beautiful handmade quilt every two years and donates the proceeds to ensure our friends and neighbors can receive a screening or diagnostic mammogram.

DJ Blankenship

A heavy equipment operator in Yakima County, DJ raises public awareness by wearing his long beard pink throughout October every year and talking to people about the importance of early detection. DJ also dedicates his time to procuring donations for those who cannot afford the testing. While it can be startling to see this big burly manly man sporting a bright pink beard and T-shirt, he has the best intentions as he jumps on every opportunity to educate others.

Borton & Sons

Employees at Borton & Sons hold a company-wide campaign and encourage others to get involved each year. It started when an employee was facing a scary breast cancer diagnosis and needed additional treatment.

The 911 Call Center

Yakima Public Safety Communications Center holds a silent auction, bake sale, drawings, and a casual lunch to raise money for breast cancer scholarships.

Yakima Police Department and Yakima Co. Sheriff’s Office

Our local law enforcement officers sell pink logo patches, which can be worn on jackets and hats.

Fundraising for Breast Cancer Awareness

We are grateful for every single gift of every size which supports October breast cancer awareness fundraisers. Other fundraising hero groups include: Caffe Brewlatte, The Range, Casino Caribbean, Central Washington RV, Costco employees, Famous Dave’s, Yakama Legends Casino Associates, Toppenish Middle School, Pastime Burgers, Brews & Spirits, Selah Insurance Services, and various employee groups through Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital.

Some of the creative names given to their events:

The Range – Shoot Like a Girl

Red Robin – Surviving in Style

Selah Chamber of Commerce – Cowgirl Up For a Cure

Studio 16 – Cut for a Cure

West Valley High School – Pink, Proud, and Loud

Wine Divas – Pretty in Pink

Coffee Trio Bowling League of Sunnyside – Diamond Strike tournament

Human Bean – Coffee for a Cure

There are also many student-led activities that raise awareness and funds every year through sporting activities, awareness clothing and accessories, and other activities: football boosters, cheer squads, annual bean feeds, individual students, ASB clubs, and sports teams from all over the Valley, from grade school through college.

How does this support benefit the community?

The Memorial Foundation is only able to support transformative work because of donations from our generous community. Fundraising hero groups provide much-needed funds that provide health care services for patients, including preventative care. Without this support, many patients would be left with deep, unmet needs, and the health and wellness of our entire community would suffer.

Fundraising heroes also raise awareness about important health care issues, such as cancer screening and early detection. Their support and awareness-raising are invaluable, and we truly appreciate their efforts and dedication to supporting our Valley through the Memorial Foundation.

What are some other ways people can get involved and support the Memorial Foundation?

The Memorial Foundation is grateful for individuals and groups who are willing to expend their time and effort on an event to raise money and awareness about our programs and services.

Your fundraising event starts with an idea. Here are a few examples to get you started, but the possibilities are endless.

• Charity ride or walk

• Car wash

• Fashion show

• Golf tournament

• Music concert

• Host an event

You can support the Memorial Foundation by donating: one-time gifts, monthly giving, and legacy gifts are very much appreciated. Your gift through the Memorial Foundation affects countless lives and future generations. There are also many volunteer opportunities that directly serve those in need.

Who should people contact if they’d like to support the Memorial Foundation in a unique way?

If you have a unique idea for supporting the Memorial Foundation, we would love to hear about it and support you in any way we can. We can help with planning your fundraiser and set you up for success.

Please reach out to us at give@memfound.org or (509) 576-5794.