Zonta's annual auction fundraiser goes online

NEWS RELEASE
ZONTA CLUB OF SAULT STE. MARIE
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Ovarian cancer is the most fatal women’s cancer; yet it is often overlooked and under-diagnosed. Symptoms are vague, so most women are diagnosed in late stages when 70 per cent will not survive 5 years. Approximately one in four Canadian women still believe that a Pap test screens for ovarian cancer; it does not. A Pap test screens for cervical cancer.

“The Zonta Club of Sault Ste. Marie Area has set a goal to raise awareness of ovarian cancer in our community. Everyone knows what pink ribbons are for. We want to ensure that people in our community recognize what the teal ribbons represent but also become more aware of possible signs of potential ovarian cancer and advocate for themselves with their family physicians,” states Sharon Kirkpatrick, president of the Zonta Club of Sault Ste. Marie Area. “We will start off Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month by posting signs and tying teal ribbons on Queen Street from Pilgrim to Dennis Street.”

National Wear Teal Day is on Friday, Sept. 4 and people are encouraged to wear teal, take a photo and share it with your friends and family on social media. For the last four years the culmination of September activities has been the Zonta fundraiser, 'Purses, Pies and Pinot', where proceeds have been divided between Ovarian Cancer Canada and Zonta service projects in our community. Since 2016, the Zonta Club has raised over $32,000 for Ovarian Cancer Canada thanks to the support of our community.

“2020 and COVID-19 have posed a challenge for our annual fundraiser but we have decided to go virtual,” says Heather Edwards, chair of the fundraiser. “We are calling it Purses, Pies and Pinot at Home. There are two components to it – an online auction and a gala event of entertainment online to thank our community for past support. Thanks to Vernon Bailey and Mike Peever, people can bid on purses, pies and other items from noon Monday, Sept. 21 to noon on Friday, Sept. 25 on michaelpeeverauctions.com. People will also be able to access the online Purses Pies and Pinot at Home Gala at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020.”

If community members want more information, they can contact the Zonta email [email protected] or watch for updates on the Zonta Club of Sault Ste. Marie Area Facebook page.

About Zonta
Zonta is a global service organization of members working together to advance the status of women worldwide through service and advocacy. The Zonta Club of Sault Ste. Marie Area has been active in the community for 42 years. The club supports a number of local service projects including scholarships at local high schools as well as Sault College and Algoma University, Sexual Assault Care Centre, Breton House, Women in Crisis, Breast Cancer Comfort pillows and Days for Girls hygiene kits.

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