PASDENA –Janet Slocum knew she would be back for a “second chance” at raising funds to help cover the costs of care for the uninsured at The Rose. Her first fundraiser in 2012 meant Bikers Against Breast Cancer had to create a higher level of sponsorship just to acknowledge the $15,000 she and husband Bobby raised at their Second Chance Saloon in Pasadena. Their gift helped to make the fifth BABC event last year a record-breaking fundraiser for the nonprofit organization.
When it was time to kick off the efforts volunteers and staff would put forth for the 6th Annual BABC, the Second Chance Saloon was the first choice with Janet, Bobby, the Beer and Ashes Cooking Team, plus lots of friends and family making the Kick Off day of barbecue and silent and live auctions last fall a $20,000 success.
“It’s such a great feeling when your community shows up and supports you,” said Janet, a survivor whose own breast cancer was diagnosed in 2006 and who led the Kickoff Committee of friends from LaPorte, Pasadena and Deer Park.
Now living cancer-free, Janet makes it her business to support organizations like The Rose with fundraising events, sponsorship donations, and sharing her story with others in the community.
As a result of her continued philanthropic efforts, Janet will be recognized as one of six “Women of The Rose” during the May 10th Bikers Against Breast Cancer 60-mile ride. Joining her will be other survivors representing those who ride, those who sponsor and those who reflect the focus of this year’s funds – The Rose’s Young Women’s Services. According to Dorothy Gibbons, the CEO and Co-Founder of The Rose, young women represent the most underserved population. With just under 7% of all breast cancer cases occur in women under 40 years old, most state and national funding focuses on women above the 40 year mark. The Rose has maintained a commitment to serving all women – regardless of age and ability to pay – since 1986.
As co-owner of the Second Chance Saloon and La Porte Towing, Janet fulfills a much needed role of helping event organizers like the BABC and The Rose (whose annual events also include a Luncheon, Shrimp Boil, and Golf Tournament) both cover the costs of putting on the fundraiser and jumpstart giving to encourage individual fundraisers. For the 6th Annual BABC, sponsorship levels include the $15,000 Leader of the Pack; $10,000 Queen of The Road; $5,000 Full Throttle; $2500 Cruisin’; $1000 Rev Up Your Engines; and $500 Idling. Each level receives tickets and various forms of recognition but most acknowledge that the real reward is intrinsic.
“It’s a way I can give back to an organization that does a world of good,” said the Pasadena native now living in La Porte, and, as an insured woman, has a longstanding commitment to ensuring the quality breast health care The Rose provides for all women continues to be there for her neighbors.
The Rose’s Co-Founder and CEO Dorothy Gibbons says community support like that offered by Janet and Bobby through their events and sponsorships is one of the reasons The Rose can continue its mission of meeting the breast health care needs of not only insured women but those who often fall between the cracks – women who don’t qualify for programs based on poverty levels but are still unable to afford insurance.
“After 28 years of being there for all women – regardless of their ability to pay – The Rose continues to rely on our patients, friends, and supporters to be our ambassadors. They tell our story in ways we never could and then they add their gifts of time and money. They are truly people committed to taking care of their community,” said Gibbons.
Bikers Against Breast Cancer launched in the Houston area in 2009 and is organized by a committee consisting of volunteers and The Rose staff. In its five-year history, BABC has raised a total of more than $250,000 to benefit The Rose.
The 6th Annual Bikers Against Breast Cancer is scheduled for May 10th at San Jacinto Harley-Davidson (3636 E. Sam Houston Parkway South, Pasadena, TX 77505). For more information on the 6th Annual Bikers Against Breast Cancer including options to fundraise, sponsor the event, and/or provide auction items, go to www.TheRose.org/events or email [email protected].
PHOTO: Among those supporting Janet Slocum (fourth from left) in her efforts to continue to raise the bar for the BABC Kickoff Event held at the Second Chance Saloon in October were Susan McCauley, Margaret Granbow, Bridget Wallace, Carmen Madison, and Bev Guiterrez.
