Here for the Girls, Inc. Celebrated at Sandler Center
~”Eat, Drink & Be Inspired” Reception Hosted by Area Leaders~
March 22nd, 2019-Virginia Beach
Thursday, March 21st, Annie & Art Sandler, Andrea Brazil, Janet Mercadante and Diane Smalley hosted a reception at the Sandler Center to introduce Here for the Girls, Inc. (H4TG|www.hereforthegirls.org) to Hampton Roads’ southside. Founded in 2007, this Williamsburg-headquartered 501(c)(3) is dedicated to improving the lives of young women affected by breast cancer through Beyond Boobs! (in-person support) and Pink Link (virtual support).
“When I first heard of Here for the Girls’ mission, how they address the unique emotional and practical support needs of younger women with breast cancer—something no other organization really focuses on—I felt the need to let others know about it,” said Art Sandler, one of the hosts of the Thursday’s event. “By helping host this networking event here in Virginia Beach, I hope to provide an opportunity for more people to learn of this important cause. I would love to see their organization grow exponentially to better affect the lives of even more young women with breast cancer and their families. Along with my co-hosts, I was very pleased to invite people tonight to come hear their story.”
After light refreshments were served, co-founders Mary Beth Gibson and Rene Bowditch provided a brief overview of H4TG’s history and mission, followed by a moving personal survivor story by Vanessa Larkin. Vanessa was featured on the cover of H4TG’s annual 2019 calendar. A short two-minute video summarized Here for the Girls’ important work, then more socializing followed where guests were able to connect with H4TG’s board members and staffers.
“I was thrilled to be a part of this touching, intimate gathering where guests had the opportunity to experience the loving support that drives everything we do at Here for the Girls,” said Mary Beth Gibson. “We are grateful to Art [Sandler] and the co-hosts for sharing their friends with us so that we can build and strengthen relationships in community where so many of the women we serve reside.”
“Tonight has been delightful. What a great introduction to Here for the Girls,” said Lynn Easton of Easton Advertising, a guest at the reception. “Their focus on living, wellness, and hope within a supportive community of women who have already walked through the challenges young women with breast cancer face is invaluable. I’m excited to see what the future holds for the women they serve as Here for the Girls expands more into the southside of Hampton Roads.”
ABOUT HERE FOR THE GIRLS, INC.
Here for the Girls, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) improving the lives of young women affected by breast cancer through in-person support groups (a support service called Beyond Boobs!) across Virginia and in select locations in North Carolina, Florida, and Texas. Here for the Girls also supports young survivors across the country through a private, online support community (a support service called Pink Link). For more information, visit them at hereforthegirls.org