Byers Subaru Dublin Share the Love Event
In 2020, Byers Subaru Dublin once again chose the Stefanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer Research as its Hometown Charity during the Subaru Share the Love event. The Byers Subaru team and its customers raised $56,650, bringing its cumulative total to more than $450,000 for breast cancer research.
Byers Subaru Dublin general manager Mark Laub reflects on the company’s commitment: “I met Chris Spielman 19 years ago when he was doing some spokesperson work for us. I was so inspired when he shared Stefanie’s story and how their family was using her cancer journey to support others and give back to their community through the Spielman Fund they created.
“From that point on, it really seemed like a perfect fit for Byers to get involved,” Laub says. “The Spielmans were really my entry point to supporting philanthropy at The James, and I was fortunate to have Chris coaching me through it. Everyone on our team of 89 employees at Byers Subaru Dublin has been completely on board and proud of what we’ve been able to raise for our Hometown Charity each year.”
The OSUCCC – James could not be more grateful for the incredible contribution Byers Subaru Dublin and the Share the Love program make toward helping us create a cancer-free world.
Flourish Pink Pumpkin Promotion
In October 2020, local florist shop FLOURISH bespoke created a stunning pink floral pumpkin arrangement and donated a portion of the sale proceeds to the Stefanie Spielman Fund.
“In the waning days of summer, I was filling some decorative pumpkins with seasonal flowers — a huge trend with European designers for the season—and playing around with some different color palettes. When I tried a combination of fuchsia and purple, I suddenly had the thought that pink floral pumpkins might be a good tie-in with Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I was fortunate to be on the team that designed many of the early Stefanie’s Champions events, and I am glad to have been able to support The James and the Stefanie Spielman Fund in small ways through the years,” says Bart Krogman, proprietor of FLOURISH bespoke.
While this was the first year for this initiative, Krogman hopes it continues to bloom for years to come.
Carter's Trail of Terror
During an October 2020 weekend, Carter Zelnis devoted his love for Halloween to a good cause. He planned, organized and ran a Haunted Trail in honor/memory of Amy Cox and donated proceeds to the Stefanie Spielman Fund because Amy, a close relative who battled breast cancer, loved the care she received at The James. Although it was his first time doing something like this, Zelnis considers it a success.
"Cancer has hit our family in many ways. I love taking my passion for Halloween and using it to help others in their battles. The Stefanie Spielman Fund helps so many with financial aid and cancer research. I pray for all those who have battled, those still fighting and that one day we find a cure," Zelnis says.
Life's Short, Eat Dessert First
Paula Brose, a 13-year breast cancer survivor and thriver, hosted her 13th annual “Life’s Short, Eat Dessert First” event in 2020. Out of an abundance of love and concern for the safety of everyone, it was held virtually. The world may have slowed down, but cancer did not. Brose simply would not let COVID-19 stop her from raising money for breast cancer research.
The silver lining to holding the event virtually was that it allowed her to reach more people than ever before. While 2020 did not allow for the beautiful dessert buffet and in-person speakers, Brose found a way to raise money through an online silent auction and online donations. No matter how difficult the past year was, friends, family and friends-of-friends opened their hearts and wallets to support the annual event benefiting the Stefanie Spielman Fund. In fact, the 13th annual “Life’s Short, Eat Dessert First” event raised a record $22,086! This brings the five-year total donation for the fund to over $63,000. After a year like 2020, “Life’s Short, Eat Dessert First” is a very fitting philosophy.
For more information about the event, please contact Paula Brose at paula.brose@aol.com.