Laelia Challenge: Dessert Auction and Boo Baskets To Fight Breast Cancer

According to Cheryl Rogers, Breast Cancer Awareness Month helps to remind us that we need to stay vigilant. “October is Laramie’s opportunity to raise awareness, increase early detection, pay tribute to the survivors, and remember those we have lost to this terrible disease.” Cheryl, the Clinic Lead at the Meredith & Jeannie Ray Cancer Center, is a member of the Laelia event committee, a community partnership of individuals and businesses who have banded together to raise funds for the Wyoming Breast Cancer Initiative.

Started by Jacqueline Grimes as a tribute to her mother, the Laelia committee has shifted last year’s Laelia Gala into this year’s Laelia Challenge dessert auction. “We decided to make it the fun, incredible and edible way to fight breast cancer.” Jacqueline is one of several Laramie bakers who will be placing her dessert-making skills up for auction. “I enjoy the competition, so I am personally challenging other Laramie bakers to volunteer their special skills for this unique challenge.” Bakers who would like to participate should contact WBCI on their website (wyomingbreastcancer.org).

In addition to the dessert auction, the Laelia Challenge is also offering special Halloween treat baskets, according to Ryan Claxton, Premier Bone & Joint Centers Marketing Director, “When someone treats the Wyoming Breast Cancer Initiative with a donation, the Laelia Event Committee will personally deliver a fun-filled “Boo Basket” to someone of the donor’s choosing. It really is the perfect way to send your Halloween wishes through a socially-distanced approved method.” Claxton says baskets are limited, so donations should be made early. Child-sized baskets include toys, crafts, candy, and more for a donation of $25 or more. Adult sized baskets include favorites from local businesses, including a bottle of wine, candle, succulent, and chocolates for a donation of $75 or more.

“Funds raised in the Laelia Challenge will be used to fund vital services right here in Wyoming,” said Cara Nett, President of the WBCI Board. “WBCI has granted over $350,000 back into Wyoming projects, with more than $50,000 going to Albany county. WBCI funded services include clinical screenings and education at ARK Regional Services and Laramie Reproductive Health, early detection vouchers through the Wyoming Cancer Resources Services, as well as breast prostheses and the Surviving and Thriving after Cancer wellness class at the Ivinson Memorial Hospital.”

Visit the wyominbreastcancer.org events page to learn more, bid on desserts, donate for Halloween baskets or volunteer to bake!

The Wyoming Breast Cancer Initiative is a Wyoming founded program that raises money and grants it back into local community projects to increase breast health services in the state. Funds that are raised in Wyoming, stay in Wyoming to support local programs that provide services to local residents.

WBIC has two grant-funded areas. The WBCI Early Detection Voucher Program is a statewide project that provides funds for breast exams, mammograms, diagnostic testing, and biopsies. WBCI vouchers are available to any Wyoming resident with a financial need, regardless of their gender, age, income, and insurance. WBCI provides voucher funds to local Wyoming Cancer Resource Services, who work with patients in accessing necessary services.

WBCI also offers Community Grants to local Wyoming programs through a competitive grant process that awards funds designated to increase education/awareness, screening/diagnostic testing, patient navigation, and/or survivor support services. WBCI started funding Wyoming breast cancer projects in 2017, since that time WBCI has impacted the lives of thousands of our Wyoming friends and neighbors. Funding for these vital projects have been made possible through generous donations from local Wyoming residents.

WBCI is proud to have granted over $350,000 toward Early Detection Breast Cancer vouchers and community projects. WBCI funds have provided valuable services in every Wyoming county.

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