The Rose Wheels into New Ways to Raise Funds: Turns Biggest and Longest Running Shrimp Boil Fundraiser into Drive-Thru in Midst of COVID-19

June 22, 2020

The Rose Wheels into New Ways to Raise Funds: Turns Biggest and Longest Running Shrimp Boil Fundraiser into Drive-Thru in Midst of COVID-19

HOUSTON (June 22, 2020) — With COVID-19 still affecting the daily lives of many, The Rose has decided to make changes to its annual Shrimp Boil happening on Saturday, October 10. Due to the pandemic, the event will not be a traditional sit-down dinner held at the local convention center but rather an eclectic drive-thru at The Rose’s Southeast location, 12700 N. Featherwood, from 1pm to 6pm.

With a goal of raising $50,000 to benefit The Rose’s mission to ensure all women have access to early detection, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, this year’s event will be different and more needed than ever before. Organizers guarantee there will be no shortage of fun.

In addition to purchasing meals at the amazing low cost of $25, attendees will be able to purchase display signs celebrating survivors, and participate in an online auction. Other activities include a car decorating contest and an opportunity to purchase “ghost” tables and individual meals. Supporters can purchase additional tables and meals to help The Rose pay it forward by delivering meals to local frontline responder organizations as a thank you for their efforts to address the pandemic.

This staple community event and fundraiser has raised more than $1.6 million dollars since 1989. For 30 years, the Shrimp Boil has been the summer go-to event for generations of families such as the Domec’s. A special tribute to Bob Domec, along with Elaine and the entire Domec clan, will be the focus of this year’s event.

“Cancer doesn’t stop for a pandemic, and neither do we,” said Dorothy Gibbons, CEO and Co-Founder of The Rose. “The Shrimp Boil is more than a fundraising event, it’s a community tradition and a family affair. We are deeply honored that Elaine Domec has agreed to be our Honorary Chair. In recognizing Bob and the Domec family, we are saying thank you to all the many families who have embraced our mission and been long-time supporters. So many women are alive today, because people like the Domec’s cared.”

Gibbons added, “As we must maintain social distancing and deliberately limit our patient schedules to prioritize our patient’s health, we anticipate a revenue loss of over $3,000,000 by the end of June, and with the increase in newly uninsured due to unemployment, we know The Rose is needed more now than ever before. Every meal sold and every dollar raised is critical to our ability to continue to save lives from breast cancer.”

To schedule a media interview with any member of The Rose, please contact Ivis Batista at 978-885-7306 or email [email protected]. For more information, or to donate or volunteer, please visit www.therose.org.

About The Rose
Since 1986, The Rose has provided high quality breast healthcare to all women, regardless of their ability to pay. Its mission is to save lives through quality breast health services, advocacy and access to care for all. As a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence, The Rose is led by Fellowship trained physicians and offers advanced digital technology including 3-D tomosynthesis mammography, diagnostic workups, biopsies and its nationally recognized Patient Navigation Program ensures access to treatment and a continuum of care for all women. As a major part of Southeast Texas’ Healthcare Safety Net, The Rose is a strong advocate for quality breast healthcare and access to care. The Rose provides direct medical services to 40,000 insured and uninsured patients annually. Two Houston-based comprehensive Diagnostic Centers and Mobile Mammography Coaches provide services to women throughout 43 counties in Southeast Texas.