Sasha Bush
The Ashland Beacon
October has long been known as the official Breast Cancer Awareness Month across the nation. During the month of October, many organizations gear up for various fundraising and awareness raising events. On October 8, 2022, the Elks Lodge B.O.P.E #350 which is conveniently located at 900 Carter Avenue in Ashland Kentucky, will be hosting its annual car show which they call “Hot Rods for Hooters” event. All proceeds raised during the event will go to support Breast Cancer Awareness throughout our area. Lorie Stevens, member of the Breast Cancer Awareness Committee shared with us, “With the support of local business we are able to have silent auctions, give out door prizes and trophies and offer food at this great event. Please come and support this great cause!”
The event was inspired when Stevens own mother was diagnosed with Breast Cancer back in 2018. “Thankfully it was detected very early on her annual mammogram, and she was able to receive the proper treatment,” shared Stevens. “At that time, there were also several Elks members that are Breast Cancer survivors that knew all too well- the importance of getting an annual mammogram. Every year, the Elks
Lodge had held a Breast Cancer fundraiser until Covid happened and Bellefonte Hospital closed its doors. "This year we decided to bring it back. I contacted Doretha Pridmore, Supervisor of the Breast Care Center at King’s Daughter’s Medical Center and she stated that there was a great need for funding for several uninsured individuals,” added Stevens. The Elks club members are no stranger to hosting events such as this. For several years, they have held an annual car show in the month of September that helps to raise money for kids with Cancer.
Despite this year’s annual September car show getting rained out, Mike Moyer and many Elks volunteers were still able to raise over $5000.00 that went toward the kid’s cancer funds. Stevens stated that “Mike is also organizing our October car show, so we are hoping for Sunshine on October 8.”
Entry into the Hotrods for Hooters event will be done by way of donation. All the funds raised during the event will go directly to local individuals that need it most, while battling this horrible disease. “The funds will be used in our area and will go to help the uninsured individuals to receive a much-needed mammogram and to support Breast Cancer Awareness.” Stevens went on to say that “Early detection is the key to surviving this awful disease.” Stevens feels that holding events such as these are not only important but vital to everyone within our community. “It raises awareness and supports our local community. Chances are that you know someone who has been affected by breast cancer in their lifetime.” This event and others like it, help to give people an opportunity to receive the care that they might not otherwise be able to afford and thus giving them the opportunity to have a fighting chance at beating this ugly disease.