By Heather Dunhill

Here's one of the challenges I often face with a 300-word limit: An event with many important messages to share and just not enough space! Such is the case with Friday's Susan G. Komen Lunch for the Cure at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota chaired by Sherril Morse and Anne Marie Young.

Let's begin with the honorees Molly and David Jackson, who had enough family on hand to fill four tables. It was clear why they were chosen -- true local philanthropists both personally and through their local New Balance shops. As RuthAnn LaMore, director of communications for Boar's Head, introduced them: "David and Molly have worked to create many health and wellness alliances and programs to support local and national philanthropic organizations, including Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation." Later she added: "They help organizations find cures, solutions and funds for their mission."

Also during the luncheon, where 540 plus were greeted with champagne flutes of pink lemonade, guests were informed of the current state of the Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young (EARLY) Act via video by breast cancer survivor Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz. And keynote speaker Diana Rowden, VP of SGK, discussed the challenges, focus and the effects the organization is having on public policy at the local, state and federal levels.

Another item worth a mention: Fran Lambert shared with me that one of the ways grant money is being spent locally is a funded position at Sarasota Memorial called breast health navigator. The nurse will take a diagnosed breast cancer patient through the process and may be able to offer options to those without insurance.

For more information about the BHN, call 917-3377. To learn more about SGK, go to komensuncoast.org.

[caption id="attachment_64" align="alignnone" width="150" caption="People"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_61" align="alignnone" width="150" caption="Molly and Dave Jackson"][/caption]