CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Clarksville Fire Rescue firefighters and staff members concluded a drive to sell hundreds of black-and-pink T-shirts that allowed them to donate $8,000 to the YMCA’s After Breast Cancer (ABC) Program.
Susan Harris and Angela Moody, administrative staff members at Fire Rescue who organize the sale of the shirts each year, presented the check to the Clarksville Area YMCA Thursday during the annual Tickle Me Pink event, which is a fundraiser for the ABC Program.
Clarksville Fire Chief Freddie Montgomery and a large group of firefighters were on hand to distribute roses to cancer survivors and women affected by cancer who are recognized during the event. Clarksville First Lady Cynthia Pitts offered the invocation to start the day.
This year’s shirt displays the Clarksville Fire Rescue logo, firefighting tools, a rose and the message “Supporting A Cause 2019.”
“We sell the shirts to firefighters and families and friends, and this year we were able to raise $8,000,” Harris said. “We give the money to the ABC Program, so all of it stays right here in our community.”
The 9th Annual Tickle Me Pink event was attended by several hundred local supporters Thursday, and included a luncheon, inspirational speeches and the Battle of the Bras.
The Battle of the Bras is a fashion-oriented competition in which teams from local businesses design artistic brassiers and display them to gain fundraising votes, with the proceeds going to the ABC Program.
After Breast Cancer is a program for survivors by survivors that provides education and healing for body, mind and spirit after a breast cancer diagnosis. Participants learn about healthy eating and regular exercise, and form a healing community in small group discussions led by a trained facilitator.
The Clarksville Area YMCA hosts the ABC Program, which is free, and funded by grants, private donations and corporate and community sponsors. Contact the YMCA Wellness Director at 931-647-2376 to sign up or get information about the local After Breast Cancer Program.
Clarksville Fire Rescue’s Susan Harris presents a check for $8,000 to the YMCA's After Breast Cancer program. Harris, right, and Angela Moody lead CFR’s annual T-shirt fundraiser which benefits ABC. Also on hand is Fire Chief Freddie Montgomery.