Courtesy Photo The Atlanta Thunder Bay Eagles Ladies Auxiliary Aerie #4077 hosted their annual Save the Ta-Ta’s fundraiser in honor of breast cancer awareness month. The event raised $2,150 to support the Breast Health Fund at MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena. Pictured left to right: Tanya Rock-Fritz, event co-chair, Atlanta Eagles Ladies Auxiliary; Ann Diamond, fund development director, MyMichigan Health Foundation; Jennie Waucaush-Wilson, member, Atlanta Eagles Ladies Auxiliary and Bernie Miele, president, Atlanta Eagles Ladies Auxiliary.

ALPENA – The Atlanta Thunder Bay Eagles Ladies Auxiliary Aerie #4077 hosted their annual Save the Ta-Ta’s fundraiser in honor of breast cancer awareness month.

The event featured multiple raffles, a 50/50 drawing, handmade bracelets and linen sales. Thanks to their efforts, the Aerie raised $2,150 to support the Breast Health Fund at MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena.

During the event, many diners dressed in pink for the evening and all enjoyed a steak dinner, as well as a fun and festive atmosphere. The Atlanta Eagles Club was decorated for the theme of the evening. Besides the many raffle prizes and sales, the true highlight of the evening were the costumed and wigged servers, dressed in decorated attire, whose tips contributed to the total raised for the Breast Health Fund. Many attendees shared that they had a personal connection to breast cancer, with some being survivors of the disease themselves. Others had friends or family members who had been touched by cancer.

Tonya Rock-Fritz, event co-chair, shared “We love hosting Save The Ta-Ta’s each year. It’s an absolute blast and we always really enjoy ourselves, as do our attendees. It’s a good chance to bring the community together and recognize the impact of breast cancer while doing something to help those going through treatment right now. We also hope the event brings greater awareness to the importance of mammograms and breast health to people here in Montmorency County.”

Ann Diamond, director fund development, MyMichigan Health Foundation, said, “Atlanta is a small community with the biggest heart. I am so grateful that Tonya and the Atlanta Eagles Ladies Auxiliary continues to support the Breast Health Fund and invite the Foundation to be a part of this fundraiser each year. This is one of the most unique events we are involved in and that is due greatly in part to the enthusiasm of Tonya and the Committee and their and passion for the cause.”

According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among women in the United States. Approximately one in eight, or 13 percent of women in the U.S. will develop invasive breast cancer at some point in their life. It is the second leading cause of death from cancer among women. Only lung cancer kills more women each year. Women at average risk for breast cancer should start getting mammograms at age 40, with screenings every year. Those at greater risk should talk with their doctor to determine when to start screening.

Those interested in more information on the Breast Health Fund, financial support for a screening mammogram or other assistance, may contact Cirrae Heise, breast program coordinator, at (989) 356-8015 or Diamond at (989) 356-7738.