Fundraiser Friday: For the Girls

Supporting Northeast Nebraska’s breast cancer community with “A Night of Pink Stars”

At BCRF we are a family whose mission is supported by the contributions of extraordinary women and men across the United States and around the world.   BCRF is honored to spotlight organizations that have generously donated to our mission of funding critical breast cancer research.

We most recently had an opportunity to chat with Diane Brennan, the Founder of For the Girls, an organization based in Norfolk, Nebraska dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the breast cancer community.

How did For the Girls come to be?

We began in 2012 with a small group of women, some survivors, some friends of the cause, but one goal.  Our community of approximately 25,000 did not have any means of fellowship or support group for breast cancer survivors.  There was also a lack of some services available locally for breast cancer care.  Our idea was to have an annual fundraising event to educate women, raise money for services, and let survivors know they were not the only one facing these challenges.   

What is For the Girls’ signature event?  

We annually host “A Night of Pink Stars.”  It’s a fun night of music, cocktails, great food with live and silent auction items.  During the evening we project pink stars in celebration and remembrance with the names of those who have fought and sometimes lost their battle with breast cancer.  We have educational information available and typically a short presentation to highlight available services for women.  

What inspired you to support BCRF? 

We knew without research we would never solve the basic problem.   We wanted to commit a portion of our proceeds to a group that would support breast cancer research.  We wanted to be good stewards of donated funds and did our own research.  We learned BCRF had high ratings on CharityWatch and conducted quality studies.  

What has been the most rewarding part of leading For the Girls?

Some of the committee members have had the opportunity to work with patients who have directly benefitted from our actions.  It is a pleasure to see the impact it has made.  All of the committee members have been inspired to see a sea of pink on the night of our event and know the difference we have made in our community. 

How has For the Girls impacted the local community?

We recently purchased equipment to conduct breast MRI imaging locally at Faith Regional Health Services. We have also upgraded operating room equipment for sentinel lymph node biopsies.  We fund “A Time to Heal”, a holistic rehab program for breast cancer survivors, and have purchased durable medical goods for individuals.  Newly diagnosed breast cancer patients receive a beautiful robe to symbolically show our ongoing support during their breast cancer journey.

What are some of your future goals for For the Girls?

We hope to grow and widen our service area to meet the physical, emotional, and educational needs of all breast cancer patients in Northeast Nebraska.  As research is vital to a cure we are committed to fund scientific study to end this disease.

This year, For the Girls will contribute $20,000 to BCRF. To keep up with their journey please follow them on Facebook.