WI Breast Cancer Coalition Celebrates A Successful Year

In a year in which new fundraising efforts were started and existing ones raised more money, the (WIBCC) capped National Breast Cancer Month and celebrated a successful 2011 with its annual brunch Sunday at Capt. Bill’s in Bay Shore.

Margaret Campise, president of the WIBCC, noted the past year was a busy one for Coalition members who worked to hold a number of new fundraisers. These included a car wash, a ravioli eating contest at and a fashion show.

“We’re also fortunate to receive donations from local business that hold fundraisers as well,” she said.

The WIBCC’s major fundraiser each year, the annual held at Surf’s Out restaurant in Kismet on Fire Island, attracted thousands and raised more than $60,000. That figure was the largest in the history of the event.

During the brunch, Campise thanked the many volunteers who make the Clam Shucking Contest possible. She also noted the contributions of Surf’s Out and Atlantic Auto Mall, which donates a car that is raffled off during the annual event.

The other new initiative from the coalition this year was the recent unveiling of the at . The brainchild of Lorraine Lo Monaco, vice president of the WIBCC, 400 pink flags are now flying outside the hospital through the end of the month.

Many local residents also purchased a ribbon in the memory of a family member or friend that was placed on one of the flags.

“This is an idea that started six years ago when I drove past Amityville High School and saw rows of American flags,” she recalled. “I thought, ‘Why can’t they be pink?’”

After bringing the idea to the WIBCC board of directors and then discussing it with hospital officials, the idea came to fruition.

“This was a lot of work and we received a lot of help with the flags,” Lo Monaco said. “But it’s beautiful.”