By Maggie Gioia | Marketing Coordinator
Both Laura Gagnon and Shelley Carner-Hickman hosted National Convenience Distributors’ New England Division’s Fill the Fence Fundraiser, raising $1,500 for Rays of Hope in just three hours!
“The fundraiser went very well considering we only did one day this year. We usually do every Thursday during the month of October,” said Gagnon, NCD New England Division’s operations administrator. “It is always fun to get employees engaged in events like this. I [am] amazed at how many people this touches and their willingness to share their stories. My mom had breast cancer twice and then knowing other people that have battled with it, I just want to be able to help in any way possible.”
Gagnon’s and Carner-Hickman’s annual fundraiser inspires team members to stop by the New England Division’s building two breakroom to donate. Each donor then fills their name out on pink ribbon which is then pinned onto the nearby fencing. The more donations, the more the fence becomes filled.
At the donation table, team member donors can find breast cancer awareness giveaways and pink-themed baked treats.
Following the fundraiser, all proceeds are then directed to Rays of Hope – a nonprofit partnered with Springfield, Massachusetts-based Baystate Medical Center. All funds raised for Rays of Hope provide support to breast cancer patients, including care, research and other services, while also raising awareness about breast health in the Massachusetts community.
“Laura and I have been doing Fill the Fence for Rays of Hope for three years now,” said Carner-Hickman, NCD New England Division’s customer service director and marketing’s events and special projects. “As a breast cancer survivor, it is always a special experience running this fundraiser because it holds so much more meaning for me. Being able to raise awareness and give back to an organization that provides support to individuals impacted by breast cancer is important work, and I am so humbled to be a part of it.”
