Business Journal Proclaims ABCD’s Annual Date with a Plate

One of Milwaukee’s Favorite Spring Fundraisers

All of us at ABCD think Date with a Plate is the bee’s knees and so does the Business Journal of Milwaukee.

According to the Business Journal, Date with a Plate “is one of the most popular of the spring event season in Milwaukee.”  Every year the theme and location are a surprise.  Over the event’s 13 year history, the Kitchen Mart, Flux Design, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel printing plant, the Harley-Davidson Museum, Briggs & Stratton Corp. headquarters in Wauwatosa, Badger Meter Inc. offices in Brown Deer and Oldenburg Ranch in Mequon have all played host.

This year 800+ guests enjoyed a 1920’s speakeasy complete with secret passwords and gaming tables where “winnings” were tickets to special prize drawings that capped off the evening.  Entertainment also included Kesslers Diamonds Lucky Box Drawing, Roaring 20’s Photo Booth and the Speakeasy Shoppe.

DWP is ABCD’s cornerstone fundraiser and salute to its volunteer mentor corps, which is 350+ strong and growing exponentially as ABCD expands free, personalized one-to-one support service for people affected by breast cancer.  Mentors are guests of ABCD and the evening always includes a toast to their volunteerism and generosity.  We were pleased to welcome mentors from throughout Wisconsin and a number from Illinois, many of whom are alumnae of Y-ME.

In attendance were executives from BMO Harris Bank, the exclusive Cat’s Pajama’s sponsor, led by Mark Furlong, president and CEO (joined by his wife, Jody Furlong ABCD Board member and mentor).  A sampling of guests from sponsor organizations included Wayne Oldenburg of Oldenburg Group Incorporated, Nancy Sennett of Foley & Lardner LLP; Mary Dowell of Johnson Controls Inc.; Audrey Warner of RW Baird; Mary Anne Martiny of the Harley-Davidson Foundation and Mark Young of Habush Habush & Rottier SC.

Our heartfelt thanks to all of our sponsors, who helped make the evening terrific for everyone.  They are:

Cat’s Pajamas

BMO Harris Bank

Bee’s Knees

Harley-Davidson Motor Company

Oldenburg Group Incorporated

Big Cheese

Habush, Habush & Rottier s.c. Charitable Funds

On the Up & Up

Robert W. Baird and Company

Liza Longhini and Mark Young

Northwestern Mutual

Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren s.c.

Rita A. Stevens Family Foundation

Treiber & Straub Jewelers

Hotsy Totsy

Attorney’s Title & Closing Services LLC

Deloitte

Johnson Controls

MGIC

Northern Trust

Park Bank Foundation

We Energies Foundation

Media & Design Sponsors

Business Journal

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

THIEL Design

Always the Friday night before Mother’s Day, this year more than 25 restaurants, caterers and beverage vendors participated in the event, sharing tastings of some of their most delightful offerings.  ABCD is immensely grateful to all of them:

Braise

Bartolotta Restaurant Group

Catch 22

El Rey

Karma

Kil@wat

Larry’s Market

Maxie’s/Blue’s Egg

Potowatomi’s Fire Pit

Rupenas

Shully’s Cuisine

Soup Market

The Pfister – Blu,Transfer Pizzeria/Via Downer

Baked

The Chocolate Factory

Purple Door Ice Cream

Sugar Sweet Buffets

Suzy’s Cream Cheesecakes

Martita’s Mixers and Bella Café

Photos put together by Business Journal freelance photographer Sara Stathas can be found here: Business Journal Article & Photos

And don’t forget to SAVE THE DATE for next year:  May 9, 2014!

Advanced Session for Mentors on
Listening & Empathy – Lessons for Mentoring and Life!

Lunch and ABCD update, too!

ABCD mentors and Family & Friend mentors are encouraged to join us on Saturday March 16^th from 8:45 am to 1:15 pm for a very special breast cancer education and support workshop.

Register now to guarantee your seat for this mentor-only gathering.

“Listening and Empathy” are vital perspectives that ABCD mentors bring to their one-to-one support services.  Whether ABCD mentors are responding to a Helpline call or supporting others through a personalized mentor match, ABCD mentoring is grounded in the power of listening.  Listening is the first-step to empowering – a core ABCD value.

This workshop will help mentors further hone listening skills, sharing distinctive insights into hearing what is not “said,” and the power of silence.  Interactive learning opportunities will explore the many aspects of listening and the differences and common ground between sympathy and empathy.  Stay tuned for speaker and session updates to be posted soon.

The day will also include an insiders’ update on all that is happening at ABCD and the exponential growth of one-to-one support services.  Which, of course, means, more mentoring!

As always, complimentary breakfast treats and lunch will be provided.  There will also be time over lunch for mentors to listen and learn from each other!

Advance registration required.  Upon registration confirmation, directions and further details will be provided.

To register call 414 977-1780 extension 1 OR email programdept@abcdmentor.org

Date with a Plate

At the

Pritzlaff Building Speakeasy

Friday May 10, 2013

6:00 – 9:00 pm

Dear Friends of ABCD,

This year nearly 50% more people have turned to ABCD for help than last year.  One of them was someone very dear to me.

But nine years ago in a different city when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I wasn’t lucky enough to have a friend tell me about ABCD.  In fact, there was nothing like ABCD available to support me or my loved ones with information, support and trusted advice.  In comparison – I was on my own.

When it came to coping with the anxiety, navigating the questions and the next steps of my journey, there was no way to be professionally matched with someone who shared my diagnosis, my symptoms and side-effects, a similar treatment plan and who juggled the same life challenges.

Today in Wisconsin and beyond, things are different.  With the help of many friends like you, ABCD has provided free, personalized support to people affected by breast cancer – patients and loved ones – for almost fourteen years.

In that short time, through ABCD’s signature one-to-one mentor match service and our breast cancer helpline we have helped well over 7,500 people work through the inevitable fears and questions that come with a breast cancer diagnosis.  We’ve connected them to countless resources to assist in the journey.  Over 500 people have completed ABCD’s mentor training and more than 275 of them currently stand ready to provide one-to-one support.  Volunteers and staff continue to provide breast cancer information to thousands annually, emphasizing service to underserved populations and collaborations with other cancer support organizations.

We are thrilled by ABCD’s latest news –and we hope you are, too.  Last month, ABCD welcomed over 60  volunteers from Chicago-based  “Y-ME,” a recently-closed sister breast cancer organization.  With the help of Y-ME’s  knowledgeable team and resources, we’re poised to serve thousands more through a national helpline, beginning later in 2013.

Because ABCD is an independent nonprofit organization providing free services, we hope we can count on you to help ABCD continue to offer help, hope and support to the women and men affected by breast cancer each year. 

All gifts are appreciated and can be made easily in any of the following ways.

• Online at http://www.abcdbreastcancersupport.org/how-to-support/donate-now/
• By mail to:  ABCD, 5775 N Glen Park Road #201, Glendale, WI
• By telephone 414.977.1780

We are working to build a world where when someone hears, “you have breast cancer” she also hears, “we can offer you the free support of a trained, volunteer survivor – a mentor who’s been in your shoes.”

Thank you for helping to build that world with us.

Very truly yours,

Elizabeth Brenner, President

ABCD Board of Directors

Please join us at Gilda’s Club in Madison, Wisconsin on January 26^th and February 2^nd for ABCD’s New Mentor Training.  Training is free and includes materials and meals.

ABCD mentors are a special team of volunteers.  They are breast cancer survivors and co-survivors who agree to be available to provide one-to-one telephone support for those dealing with breast cancer now.  They are matched with people needing support based on common diagnoses, treatment plans and life circumstances.  The match is truly personal.

Not only will class participants be prepared to volunteer as ABCD mentors, but they will be a reliable breast cancer resource for anyone they meet affected by breast cancer.  A detailed description of mentoring can be found here:  http://www.abcdbreastcancersupport.org/how-to-support/become-a-mentor/

The training is open to all affected by breast cancer, but we strongly recommend those taking the class be at least one year from diagnosis.  Those who have coped with inflammatory breast cancer are especially encouraged to consider becoming a mentor.

Registration begins January 3^rd.

To get additional information or to register please contact Terimarie Degree at 414.977.1784 (or 800.977.4121 and choose ABCD office, not the helpline) or email the Program Department at programdept@abcdmentor.org.

As of November 19, 2012 at 9 am Central Time, callers to ABCD’s Breast Cancer Helpline can get immediate emotional and informational support from trained survivors – our growing corps of helpline mentors.

The helpline number is – 800.977.4121 Initial hours are 9 am to 5 pm Central Time
Hours of service will increase as the full service helpline rolls out.

Traditional helpline services will continue to be offered:

• Reliable information relating to breast cancer issues
• Referrals to resources and services ABCD does not directly provide
• The offer of personalized research to identify for hard to find resources

In addition, the helpline remains an easy way to initiate the request for ABCD’s signature services, a personalized, one-to-one mentor match with a trained and professionally supported breast cancer survivor or co-survivor.

All services are free of charge at all times.

On October 31st, ABCD announced it would welcome a number of former Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization volunteers and staff to ABCD’s corps of 250+ breast cancer survivor mentors and family & friend mentors. Y-ME, one of the oldest breast cancer support organizations in the world, closed its doors in July 2012 after 34 years of service.

The expansion of ABCD’s helpline was already in the planning stages when Y-ME closed, prompting ABCD to accelerate its plans and reach out the Y-ME community.

For more details about one-to-one mentoring, click here.

One of ABCD’s fundamental beliefs is that all of our services should be provided at no charge.  Always.

We are fortunate that as individuals from every walk of life agree with us as do area businesses and foundations – large and small.  They contribute funds and in kind services – often doing all the leg work so ABCD can stay focused on its mission.

Fall, in particular October, is always a very busy time for fundraising – especially third-party events.

What is a “third-party” event?  That is a gathering or effort of any kind when volunteers decide to raise funds for ABCD’s mission, seeking ABCD’s help in providing program information but otherwise doing all the work.  This way, ABCD’s staff stays focused primarily on providing personalized support for those affected by breast cancer.

ABCD is very pleased to recognize those who supported us through Third Party Events during the month of October:

• B93.3
• Steve Beguhn
• Comedy for Cancer – Zacher Family
• Core Concepts
• Elite Fitness Centers
• Faye’s
• Gaia Microspa
• Milwaukee Cupcake Company
• Neroli and the Institute of Beauty & Wellness
• Upper 90 Sports Pub
• Zaffiro’s

from Community Health Charities to In-House Campaigns

ABCD’s fundraising costs – and time spent fundraising – are kept reasonable because we are committed to efficient fundraising activities.  One of the most efficient is workplace giving.  Generous support through workplace giving efforts help assure our distinct one-to-one mentoring services are available without cost at all times, anywhere.

That is why ABCD is an active member of Community Health Charities of Wisconsin (CHC-WI), which participates in workplace giving campaigns throughout the State.  And, there are Community Health Charities campaigns throughout the nation.

We are proud of CHC-WI’s collaboration with two of Wisconsin’s United Way campaigns, Greater Milwaukee and Dane County.   These collaborations are prime examples of charitable organizations working together to efficiently raise funds for the many causes that make our communities better places to live.

Participation in CHC-WI campaigns is truly helpful to ABCD because CHC-WI allows donors to directly designate the CHC-WI charities donors wish to support and because CHC-WI’s administrative costs are extremely low.  Not to mention…ABCD is at the top of the CHC-WI alphabetical list!

If you are in Wisconsin, you can support ABCD through workplace giving as follows:

United Way of Greater Milwaukee campaigns include all member charities of CHC-WI

Dane County/CHC-WI collaborative campaigns

All other Wisconsin locations, through independent CHC-WI workplace campaigns

If you are outside Wisconsin, check with your United Way or Community Health Charities campaign for your state.  ABCD has received designated gifts from a number of workplace giving campaigns throughout the country.  To learn how to indicate ABCD should receive your workplace giving support, consult your campaign representative.  Or, contact ABCD and we will determine the right contact person together.

To learn more about Community Health Charities of Wisconsin, visit:  http://wisconsin.healthcharities.org/

ABCD: After Breast Cancer Diagnosis’ 14+ year-old Helpline now includes immediate one-to-one support from a trained and professionally supported Helpline Mentor – survivors who have been “in your shoes”™.

We are delighted to welcome former Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization volunteer peer counselors and staff members as they join with ABCD mentors to enhance ABCD’s Helpline service.

Y-ME, one of the oldest breast cancer support organizations in the world, closed its doors in July 2012 after 34 years. Its primary service was a 24/7 hotline supported entirely by breast cancer survivors.

The addition of members of the Y-ME team to ABCD’s volunteer mentor corps will assure that Y-ME’s mission continues and will expand the level of access to ABCD’s existing personalized and one-to-one support services to breast cancer survivors and co-survivors throughout the country.

With the addition of Y-ME team members, ABCD’s trained mentor corps is over 300+ strong and growing steadily. The breadth and depth of this trained volunteer corps comprised of survivors and co-survivors assures ABCD can provide both immediate emotional support and custom one-to-one matched support based on the wisdom of those who have already experienced breast cancer.

ABCD’s Helpline is a vital part of its approach to its free personalized one-to-one support. The expansion of ABCD’s Helpline was in the planning stages when it learned that Y-ME was closing. The closing of Y-ME prompted ABCD to accelerate its plans to assure continuity of free breast cancer support services. ABCD will continue its collaborations with sister organizations to assure that all affected by breast cancer receive not only personalized and one-to-one support services but also active connection to other needed services.

All of ABCD’s services are free and available to patients, families and friends.

For more details, click here.