Courtesy photo Taking part in Girls Night Out Altoona’s presentation of $100,000 to the Bob Perks Fund are (from left): Clay Glenny, development coordinator, Bob Perks Fund; Doreen Perks, founder, Bob Perks Fund; Robin Heim, chair, Bob Perks Fund; Kelly Renfrew, secretary, Bob Perks Fund; Cindy Ruble Brown, executive director, Bob Perks Fund; and Juls Bratton, founder and president, Girls Night Out Altoona Inc.

Nonprofit surpasses $2 million raised since 2008 founding

Girls Night Out Altoona Inc., a volunteer-driven nonprofit dedicated to breast cancer awareness, early detection, and patient support, distributed $235,000 in donations on March 11 at Marzoni’s Greenwood in Altoona to organizations providing breast cancer research, screening and patient assistance programs across the region.

Representatives from the recipient organizations joined members of the Girls Night Out Altoona board and planning committee during the check presentation.

The donations were distributed as follows:

n Bob Perks Fund — $100,000

n Magee Women’s Specialty Center at UPMC Altoona — $45,000

n Joyce Murtha Breast Cancer Center — $45,000

n Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute — $45,000, designated to support breast cancer research led by Dr. Gunther

With this year’s distribution, Girls Night Out Altoona has now raised more than $2 million since the organization was founded in 2008.

Girls Night Out Altoona was established in memory of Taunia Oechslin, who was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 36

and dreamed of creating a community event dedicated to supporting individuals battling the disease.

Today, the organization continues to carry forward her mission by raising funds for patient assistance programs, cancer research and initiatives that promote early detection through screenings and mammograms.

Planning is already underway for the 18th Annual Girls Night Out event, which will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 21, at the Blair County Convention Center.

The event is expected to welcome more than 1,000 guests in support of breast cancer awareness and patient assistance.

Community members and businesses interested in supporting Girls Night Out Altoona can contribute through monetary donations or product and basket donations for fundraising events.

Donations may be delivered to: Girls Night Out Altoona Inc., 1798 Plank Road, Suite 303, Duncansville, PA 16635

Businesses interested in sponsorship opportunities may contact Founder Juls Bratton at gnoaltoona@gmail.com.

For updates on upcoming events, fundraisers and information about local mammogram opportunities, follow Girls Night Out Altoona Inc. on Facebook.